Collaborative Learning: Buddies
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The key to successful collaborative learning is to make students accountable for real work that has value for the larger community.
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Individuals and groups of teachers interested in social, service learning, and/or academic goals developed collaborative learning at St. Paul's, informally known as buddy projects. Although changing over time, buddy projects and cross-grade activities have become incorporated into the fabric of the curriculum and the life of the school.
Allowing a student to teach another child communicates that the student is trusted. This act says that we know the student-teachers are worthy and responsible. This accountability spills over to other areas, such as homework and general demeanor at school. Giving children opportunities to act responsibly develops citizenship skills.
![Carroll Fife, Tonya Love with second and sixth graders in Chapel]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727922726/spesorg/iusvew8bagfutk5qjtec/FifeandChapelcrew.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727922726/spesorg/iusvew8bagfutk5qjtec/FifeandChapelcrew.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1727922726/spesorg/iusvew8bagfutk5qjtec/FifeandChapelcrew.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1727922726/spesorg/iusvew8bagfutk5qjtec/FifeandChapelcrew.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1727922726/spesorg/iusvew8bagfutk5qjtec/FifeandChapelcrew.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1727922726/spesorg/iusvew8bagfutk5qjtec/FifeandChapelcrew.jpg","width":2200}])
At the Intersection: Collective Action Fosters Positive Change
Kate Klaire, Dean of Community Engagement & Chapel Coordinator
Almost two years ago, students in Fourth and Sixth Grades decided to do something about the traffic intersection at Bay Place and Montecito Avenue.
![K-8 Buddies]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1694643545/spesorg/xnlaoj7head52hmzngdq/K-8Buddiesdrawing.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1694643545/spesorg/xnlaoj7head52hmzngdq/K-8Buddiesdrawing.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1694643545/spesorg/xnlaoj7head52hmzngdq/K-8Buddiesdrawing.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1694643545/spesorg/xnlaoj7head52hmzngdq/K-8Buddiesdrawing.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1694643545/spesorg/xnlaoj7head52hmzngdq/K-8Buddiesdrawing.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1694643545/spesorg/xnlaoj7head52hmzngdq/K-8Buddiesdrawing.jpg","width":1920}])
K-8 Buddies
Anthony Hopkins, Eighth Grade Social Studies teacher
Come see the incredible curiosity and joy sparking between our 8th-grade leaders and their new Kindergarten buddies!
This wonderful tradition is a cornerstone of our eighth grade Community Engaged Learning curriculum. It’s a chance for our oldest students to truly embrace stewardship by giving back and nurturing our youngest community members. We believe building strong relationships is what makes our diverse community so special!
The connection begins right away at the first Chapel of the year, as our eighth graders warmly welcome the Kindergartners and invite them to sit together during services all year long.
Their friendship continues to blossom through monthly meetings—including fun lunches—where they play, share interests, and discover the brilliance of St. Paul's together. These meet-ups are packed with activity, from reading favorite books and building cool projects to participating side-by-side in our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
These shared experiences do more than just build friendships; they foster fearless learning and spirituality – the amazing spark within us all. It’s truly heartwarming to watch!