BIG BUDDIES PREP SESSION 2
Training the Big Buddies Materials Who Am I? project Poster paper Writing and drawing materials
Watch Video #5: Training the Buddies Teachers who have piloted the AIM Buddy Project talk about how to train the buddies and model strategies for Little Buddy and Big Buddy trainings. Watch at www.pbslearningmedia.org/ resource/aim17-sel-trainingbuddies.
20
minutes
Being a Big Buddy One of the most important tasks for the Big Buddy teacher is to train the Big Buddies in what to do in each session, how to be good mentors and role models, and how to establish a good relationship with their Little Buddies. (You might want to watch Video #5: Training the Buddies.) Ask Big Buddies to try to remember being first or second graders and what they thought of big kids back then. Did they have any older friends? Did older kids intimidate them? What made them feel comfortable? Try to get students in to the mindset of the Little Buddies (an exercise in perspective taking!) before talking about the guidelines. Encourage Big Buddies to think of themselves as role models for their Little Buddies. Discuss good techniques for being a Big Buddy. Help students brainstorm ideas for how to make their Little Buddies feel comfortable (see suggestions below). Invite volunteers to add their best “tip” to a “Big Buddy Tips” poster that can be displayed throughout the AIM Buddy Project. You might say: Remember, it’s your job to help your Little Buddy understand the story or game and to get the conversation going (and keep it going). It’s important that you listen to your Little Buddy’s ideas. Encourage your Little Buddies to talk, even when they’re not sure about their answers. Be patient and respectful as they think through their thoughts. If you think your Little Buddy doesn’t understand something (even if he or she doesn’t tell you that), repeat the question or word and check in with him or her. You can say, “Did you understand that?” or “Do you have any questions about that?”
56 Big Buddies: Prep Sessions
