STUDENTS TEACHING STUDENTS

Standard 1 Olives

Last Week at Olives saw the first ‘Group Reading’ sessions put into practice, but with a twist on the usual approach. GVI volunteers lead the group reading sessions with lower abilities, which consist of around 5 students with mixed reading levels and from different standards, reading and discussing together different reading material each week.  These groups last over a period of thirty five minutes (times may vary depending on how easy it is to round up the ever active students scattered all over the school!) and involve group reading and discussion.  These sessions have proved to have been an overwhelming success across both Precious and Olives, as the students really benefit from not only shared reading, but the group discussions that follow, something crucial to develop an imagination, exchange ideas and opinions.

Standard 2 Precious Vision

GVI decided to take a slightly different approach when dealing with the two youngest standards (Std 1 and Std 2).  Given the fact that collectively these two forms are as hard to control as a bag of bouncing balls, GVI made have selected a group of the strongest readers from standards 5 and 6 to manage their own reading groups.  Not only does this provide the younger students with a role model but also teaches them to work together with the higher standards at their school.  From the point of view of the designated group reader, the role of group lead installs a confidence, stimulates interest and creates effective group dynamics.  From watching the sessions in action, it is clear that the group leaders relish the responsibility and become little teachers themselves, and the group members respond well to this, it’s enjoyable to watch their relationships grow and flourish between the groups. It is evident that a little bit of independence and responsibility can really help personal development. 

Standard 2 Olives enjoying their reading lesson 

By Paula Cullen