As part of our literacy program, students have been paired up with Grade 2 and 3 students in Mrs. Finney's primary class. During our time on Day 2s, we read together (and sometimes do art activities) with the primary students. We support them in using reading strategies to make sense of what they have read and problem solving when they encounter unfamiliar words. The primary students have taken to calling this time "the best day of the week."
In addition to building reading skills, this experience also fosters leadership, empathy, cooperation and responsibility. Our grade 8 students set a positive example and enjoy this time as a way of connecting to the younger students at Orchard Park.
Our class was lucky enough to have a presentation from Scales Nature Park in October to learn about some of the creatures that they have and interesting facts about reptiles. 
