Martha Speaks Reading Buddies is now in its fourth year reaching over 1,000 Title 1 elementary school students in the region.

This cross-age reading program helps kindergarten, first grade and upper-level elementary students increase their vocabulary, develop their self-esteem and social skills, and enhance their love of books and reading.

• Kindergarten - English Standards of Learning K.1, K.2, K.3, K.5, K.7, K.8, K.9 and K.12
• First Grade - English Standards of Learning 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 1.10 and 1.13
• Fourth Grade - English Standards of Learning 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.8
• Fifth Grade - English Standards of Learning 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6 and 5.8

Big Buddies (4-5^th graders) and Little Buddies (K-1^st graders) meet for eight 45 minute sessions where they watch a Martha Speaks show on DVD together; read the selected book together; talk and play games together; and write in the Reading Buddies Journal together.

Big Buddies receive a guide and books to practice before each session.  Each Little Buddy takes home a copy of a Martha Speaks DVD with all the episodes, a book after each session, a Family Activity Booklet, a Martha Speaks flip book, pencil, stickers, word magnet and a tote bag.  They also receive a Certificate of Achievement at the end of the program.  The Big Buddies receive a chapter book called Because of Winn Dixie to take home.

In addition to the kindergarteners and first graders mastering thirty-two new vocabulary words, teachers report that 4^th and 5^th grade participants take their leadership role very seriously, resulting in improved reading skills and a decrease in discipline problems.

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