Since 2013, LIS has had the Playground Buddy Programme in motion. Throughout this period, 4th and 5th grade students have had the chance to become Playground Buddies (commonly referred to as just “Buddies”) by applying or being nominated for the position, and then having an interview. Being a Buddy involves supporting peers during recess through teaching and sharing games, playing with children who are lonely, and helping new students to settle in.
The students who are chosen for the role demonstrate qualities such as kindness, empathy and understanding, which makes them exceptional role models. Buddies demonstrate their responsibility by listening to and helping other students, as well as acting as positive role models for their peers.
One of the Hort educators, also known as a Playground Buddy Coach, leads the program. This person’s role is to support and encourage the Buddies within their roles. They also make sure that the Buddies have the necessary tools to perform their duty. Buddies attend a training course, led by the Playground Buddy Coach, where they participate in workshops that focus on giving them the knowledge, experience and confidence in areas such as how to lead and organize, as well as how to compromise and be a team player. This includes, for example, conflict-resolution and learning how different emotions might be expressed and how to respond to them.
On the weekend of the 25th – 26th of September, twenty-seven 4th grade students attended the training session, and are now out on duty. They are eager to show the rest of the school what they learnt from the workshops, and want not only to contribute to a happy and inclusive playground, but also wish to take a leading role in it. As soon as you hear the bell ringing out on the playground, you can be sure that the Buddies are out on duty.
Evelina Lindgren/Playground Buddy Coach