Last semester, Grade 7 students started an unusual new task: delivering a hand-made English book to G2 students.In the first step of the activity, under the guidance of the foreign teacher Grade 7 students went to the primary school and pair up with their Reading Buddies in the classroom. Then they went to the library. Grade 7 students had already selected suitable books in advance and read those book to their buddies in the quiet, elegant environment of the library. The first activity increased the understanding of each other. Grade 7 students also conducted an interview, during which they gradually understand the characters as well as hobbies of the younger brothers and sisters to prepare for the following book design. After that Grade 7 students spent a few months to make their books. At first, many students had no clue about how to do that. Under the guidance of foreign teachers, they gradually began to have a framework and finished the manuscript. Meanwhile, the buddies also sent letters to each other and it is said that they were all very excited! Grade 7 students wrote letter seriously and they were often moved by the cuteness of Grade 2 when receiving reply—the letter paper was often covered with drawing of hearts.
The book is finished before New Year! After returning to school, the students of Grade 7 made the last revision and looked forward to meeting their Grade 2 buddies. In the second week of March, the Grade 2 children came to the library again and Grade 7 students brought their own attentively produced works. The younger students are filled with expectation.
It was amazing to sit down and read the hand-made picture book with their buddies. A picture book has become a link between reading buddies. The children communicated more naturally with true feelings.
This Reading Buddies activity not only exercised the English and painting skills of Grade 7 students, but also enhanced the friendship between the students on the same campus. Although the activity is over, their friendship and passion for learning English continues.