Plan activities that encourage buddies to get to know each other better. Prepare "All About Me" booklets for pupils to complete. Include pages for them to draw or write about their families, pets, hobbies and favorite things. Have pupils read their books to their buddies. To help the two classes become better acquainted, begin the first few meetings with a name game. Another option is to have each student interview his buddy. Give them two minutes to learn as much as they can about their partners. Meet as a group and have each pupil introduce his buddy and share what he learned about him.
Buddy class is an opportunity for older pupils to help younger ones with art activities. Ask pupils to trace their partners' hands onto green construction paper, then cut them out. Have students write one thing they enjoy about buddy time on the hand prints. Collect the hand prints from both classes and arrange them in a circle to create a large wreath. Hang the wreath on a bulletin board or wall. You can also take advantage of opportunities throughout the year for buddies to create holiday and seasonal artwork together.
Have older pupils teach their buddies games they can play at recess, like hopscotch and four-square. In cold weather, have the two classes build snowmen and forts together. When the gym is available, plan activities that the two age groups can both enjoy. Set up centers for students to rotate through, giving them the opportunity to use equipment such as scoops, Hula Hoops, skipping ropes and scooter boards.
Plan reading and writing activities for buddies to enjoy. Have younger pupils read familiar books to their buddies. Older students can read more challenging books to their partners. Create extension activities for pupils to complete, such as creating their own patterned books together. Provide them with computer time to type their stories. Have buddies create bookmarks together. Provide them with card stock to cut to size and decorate with drawings, designs or stickers.