Study Buddytastic! Sr. Leadership students act as buddies for Elementary students
Centennial High School has partnered with Samuel Shaw Middle School, one of our feeder schools, to run a Study Buddy program. Our Gr. 11 and 12 Leadership students meet once a week with Gr. 5 or 6 Students at S Shaw. This is the fifth year the program has been running.
Last month when we arrived at Shaw we saw a number of post it notes up where the Gr. 6s were sharing things they love about their school. They talked about favorite classes, lunch, recess, and other cool activities at school. Two of the notes talked about our Study Buddy program. I was so impressed that with all the things they could highlight they chose their Study Buddy. The first note says “Being with my Buddy and playing 2 truths and a lie”. The second says “Being with my Buddy and getting to know her”.
How does our program work? We go once a week with our class (Wednesdays) for 45 minutes. My students come with a lesson plan or activities for the day. We consult with their teachers before as to what to work on. In the past we have done science, social studies, reading, and math. We have also worked on social skills or English as a second language. This term we are working with the theme of positivity and appreciation as requested by the Gr. 6 teachers. Last week they got in groups of 4 and put positive post it notes on each other’s backs supporting that week’s theme of validation. It is critical to not give their teachers more work with another program. They give us general ideas and then we do the planning and work.
Program Rewards – When we arrive at the school everyone recognizes our students in their Leadership T-Shirts. Former Study Buddies high five me in the hallway. There is an excitement from the Gr. 6s to meet with their Buddy. My Leadership students feel like they are doing something real and important. They come with a plan and work hard to make a difference with their buddy.
It is a highlight of every week for me to be a part of this program. Consider starting a Study Buddy program with one of your neighborhood schools.
Brent Dickson
Brent Dickson Debuts Online
I am excited to start up this blog dealing with the world of Student Leadership. I have been involved as an advisor for 15 years and have also had the opportunity to speak with students and Advisors across Canada.
Brent is married to the amazing Krista and is the proud father of four boys.
-has taught Student Leadership in B.C. and Alberta for over 15 years
-presented in schools and conferences across Canada
-current Alberta Director for the Canadian Student Leadership Association
– previously served as President of The Alberta Association of Student Councils and Advisors (AASCA)
-currently teaching Leadership and P.E. and is the Department Head of Student Leadership at Centennial High School in Calgary, Alberta
-also the Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and a certified Link Crew coordinator at Centennial
– Centennial hosted the Alberta High School Leadership conference in May, 2009 – Brent’s schools have also hosted the Jr. High and the Advisor’s Alberta conferences
-Canadian Student Leadership Association Leader of Distinction Award September 2012
-Alberta Excellence in Teachng Award Finalist 2004
-Centennial Basketbal teams coached by Brent have won City Championships and competed at Alberta Provincials
