Our Ponderosa Pine and Aspen classes have adopted a local 3rd grade class as their ‘big kid’ buddies. Our buddies came to visit us in Ponderosa State Park when they kicked off a science and literacy unit on non-fiction text, human and animal interactions, and storytelling. The 3rd grade and preschool buddies enjoyed hiking in the park together – keeping a watchful eye out for the local animal inhabitants, hearing and then dramatizing an animal-themed story, and of course the preschoolers had to show off their forest classroom!

This week we had the opportunity to go visit our buddies at their school! For most of our students it was their first time in a ‘big school.’ We had a fabulous time thanks to our buddies who are the most kind, caring, thoughtful 3rd graders I have encountered. They met us in their classroom where they had prepared to read the preschoolers the stories they wrote after their trip to Roots, as well as some picture books they thought the preschoolers would enjoy.

Buddies spread around the classroom reading together:

It doesn’t get any sweeter than this:

Even the school reading specialist joined in the fun:

After our shared reading time our buddies took us outside to see their playground. The 3rd graders were the best tour guides, showing their buddies around the playground, introducing them to footballs and jump ropes, and even pulling them on sleds! Lucky preschoolers!!!

This is the life:

Sled time with our 3rd grade buddies! from Roots Forest School on Vimeo.

We finished our time together with a hike on a nearby nature trail.

The relationships formed between these preschoolers and 3rd graders provide both groups of students with endless opportunities to learn and grow. Watching their relationships bloom as they spend more time together is truly magical!