North Babylon Students Build Literacy Skills Through Reading Buddies Visits

NORTH BABYLON, NY — Middle school students at Robert Moses Middle School are helping younger learners discover the joy of reading through a monthly Reading Buddies program with William E. DeLuca Elementary School.

Once a month, the after-school club travels to DeLuca to read aloud to their “little buddies,” offering kindergarten and early-elementary students the chance to hear fluent reading and connect with positive role models. Before each visit, the middle schoolers select a book and practice reading it aloud to build confidence and prepare for their time with the younger students.

District officials said the program benefits both groups: middle school participants strengthen their reading fluency and leadership skills, while elementary students gain exposure to engaging read-alouds and develop a deeper love of books.

This month, Reading Buddies spent time with students in Jodi Rebholz’s kindergarten class, continuing the club’s mission of fostering meaningful connections through literacy.