Announcements
Books, Buddies and Bright Futures
May 7, 2025
On a Friday afternoon, huddled under blanket forts, drinking smoothies, two elementary school classes joined forces to share favorite books and support each other through “Reading Buddies.” Jamie Beanland and Danielle Weiss devised this peer reading activity as part of their new literacy curriculum. Some students read aloud to each other as others perused their book, pointing out particular details. It was a motivating way for students to collaborate and show what they know, and what they love.
For so many, reading is a favorite pastime that begins at an early age. First memories of bedtime books and compelling discussions of classic novels become the foundation for further exploration of topics and authors. This foundation paves the way for access to limitless information and enjoyment and the ability to understand and share what is learned.
All aspects of our lives depend on literacy development. It helps us think critically, understand complex issues, and learn new things. It ties directly to academic achievement, global awareness, and cultural connection and yet, reading–and writing–can be one of the most challenging areas of a student’s educational experience.
Individualized Instruction
Green Chimneys students represent a wide range of learners, many of whom struggle with learning differences, the ability to focus, or other impediments to building foundational skills in literacy. “The majority of our students have not had success in traditional academic environments, which often can’t support the needs identified in an Individualized Education Plan,” notes Brewster Campus Literacy Instructor Thei Cherry. “Therefore, some students may lack motivation or tend toward work avoidance, and simply do not want to read or write. Others cannot sit for long enough periods to develop necessary reading and writing skills, and older students often do not want to read aloud, making it difficult to work on fluency.”
Clearpool Campus Literacy Instructor Gina Viebrock points out that “It may be difficult to recognize the reasons why a student is at risk of not meeting grade-level skills. Struggles in literacy often snowball into a compounding of challenges that need identification and explicit targeted instruction. Subsequently, without support, student behaviors can escalate out of frustration.”
A New Literacy Curriculum
Earlier this year, Green Chimneys School launched a new literacy curriculum for elementary and middle school students, Into Reading for grades 2-8 and Into Literacy for grades 6-8. This comprehensive product focuses on the Five Pillars of Literacy: Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension. Additionally, it features a strong writing component integrated throughout. As a highly interactive program that offers differentiation of instruction to respond to individual learning needs–including adaptability both for students working below grade-level and those who need a bigger challenge–it works hand-in-hand with the school’s Explicit Direct Instruction teaching model.
The first ingredient of literacy instruction is engagement and “Reading Buddies” was an ideal activity for the 3rd-5th graders, as they begin to gravitate toward preferred topics, and enjoy sharing their expertise. “Reading Buddies offered insight, confidence and creative thinking to my students. They absolutely loved being role models to the younger students, and sharing their thoughts as they read together,” says Danielle Weiss. “My students experienced a sense of leadership while they were able to build relationships.”
Reading Buddy Reflections
Jamie Beanland’s students expressed their enthusiasm in a writing reflection exercise:
“I loved reading Dog Man. Reading Buddies was fun and I want to do it again.”
“I liked reading with my buddy, and I liked the food. I did central idea reading with my partner, we read about sports.”
“The forts were fun, and my friend liked my book. I hope we do it again!”
There is joy in seeing students respond to what they learn–not just from the new information but also from the process–and to know that it’s the start of a lifetime of learning.
Green Chimneys’ literacy curriculum, as well as other academic instruction, and clinical services are individualized and strength-based, ensuring that each student receives the tailored support they need to thrive. By focusing on each student’s unique abilities and interests, the school creates personalized plans that help them build on their strengths while addressing areas of growth. This approach is particularly beneficial for neurodivergent students, as it allows for flexibility in meeting their academic and social-emotional needs. Whether a student is navigating complex learning challenges or seeking to enhance their social skills, our supportive framework fosters confidence, resilience, and academic success for all learners.
