Big Picture High School delivers a big impact at Reading Partners

Pictured above: Big Picture High student, Melissa, works with her kindergarten reading partner, Alex.

Reading Partners Seattle and Big Picture High School teamed up in 2015 to pair local high school students with elementary school students in need of reading support. Since then, more than a dozen Big Picture High School students have become weekly reading partners for community students.

Since January 2018, the Big Picture High School student interns have dedicated 257 hours to improve the literacy development of ten Beverly Park Elementary School students.

But, Reading Partners and our students aren’t the only ones to benefit.

The partnership encourages high school students seeking a future in education and psychology, to gain real world experiences with elementary aged children.

The Big Picture High School student interns focus on applying their previous knowledge and personal experiences to each tutoring session. Through Reading Partners, they receive training to deliver Reading Partners’ proven curriculum, mentorship from the site coordinator, and real world experience.

After each tutoring session, the interns discuss successes and challenges with their mentor, Maya Sconiers, site coordinator at Beverly Park Elementary School. Sconiers provides the interns with support through ongoing coaching and modelling.

Sconiers is excited about the partnership and enjoys having Big Picture students in the reading center. She says, “Our Big Picture High School students are enthusiastic and dedicated to supporting their students’ learning. They provide positive peer mentorship and model what excellent reading looks like. “

The collaboration between Reading Partners Seattle and Big Picture High School provides mutual benefits and embodies a sense of unity in our educational landscape. Together, we can provide our students with opportunities to help each other grow and develop.