Barranca Mesa Elementary Fifth Graders Mentor Kindergartners

IMG_5153A happy kindergartner at Barranca Mesa Elementary School waits for her fifth grade buddy to read to her. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com.

IMG_5148A fifth grader reads to his kindergarten buddy. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5146Buddies work on an assignment together Wednesday morning at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5138 (1)This kindergarten student is obviously enjoying his time with his fifth grade buddy. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5136Making sure their kindergarten buddies know their home address was part of the day’s assignment for the fifth graders. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5134 (1)A kindergarten student gets some help with his assignment from his fifth grade buddy. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5132Nicole McGrane, standing, and Maria Musgrave watch the interaction between the buddies. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5131.jpgTeacher Heidi Schembri explains the day’s assignment to students. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5154.jpgKatrina Martin, Kyra Griego and Becky Littleton keep a watchful on their room full of buddies. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5150 (1).jpgKatie Herring, left, and Samanta Fister answer questions from students. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

IMG_5149 (1)Ready for reading during buddies time for fifth graders and kindergartners at Barranca Mesa Elementary School. Photo by Maire O’Neill/losalamosreporter.com

BY MAIRE O’NEILL
maire@losalamosreporter.com

All three fifth grade classes at Barranca Elementary School have been partnering with three kindergarten classes from 11 a.m. to noon each Wednesday.

The students participate in different activities each week designed to work incorporate the standards taught by the teachers during regular class time.

“Our 5th graders are learning to mentor younger students and model good behavior.  It is neat to see these older students working with the younger students in such a kind and understanding way,” said fifth grade teacher Nicole McGrane.

The teachers have raised the funds for a joint fifth grade/kindergarten trip to the Albuquerque Zoo later this month.