Time with Our Buddies
Youngest and oldest Sharks have a playdate!
The School Buddies program at JCDS pairs our youngest students with upper-grade students. They get to know one another, meet in the classroom or on the playground, and sometimes get together for lunch.
Recently, the 5th graders met their new Pre-K 3 buddies on the LearningScape for a playdate. The youngest Sharks were paired with the oldest Sharks on campus, and the age gap made the afternoon especially magical.
"Our little ones feel so proud when their buddies recognize them, greet them by name, or take an interest in what they are doing," said Pre-K 3 teacher Laura Glover. "These special relationships help our preschoolers feel seen, valued, and connected to the larger school community while providing positive role models who demonstrate kindness, patience, and leadership."
"Our little ones feel so proud when their buddies recognize them, greet them by name, or take an interest in what they are doing," said Pre-K 3 teacher Laura Glover. "These special relationships help our preschoolers feel seen, valued, and connected to the larger school community while providing positive role models who demonstrate kindness, patience, and leadership."
Even the children who preferred a quieter moment enjoyed gentle conversation—no doubt discussing their next great adventure!
"I loved how our 5th graders played with the little ones," observed 5th-grade teacher Dona Kenny. "They asked questions and listened attentively."
The little Sharks clearly cherished meeting the big kids and will look up to them as leaders this year. Some of the 5th graders happily channeled their inner preschoolers and had the time of their lives on the newly reimagined LearningScape!
Ms. Kenny believes this is an amazing match-up. The 5th graders were patient, kind, encouraging, and of course, full of energy!
"They wanted to make sure the Pre-K3 students felt safe and comfortable," Ms. Kenny said. "I loved seeing them hold their buddies' hands when walking them to PE."
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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