Prior to our recent winter break, I received a number of letters (approximately 30) from students in two classes asking me to consider installing a “Buddy Bench” at Cleveland. The letters were from students in grades 5 and they were quite clear about why they want us to get a buddy bench.
- “A buddy bench is a special bench that helps kids make new friends.”
- “…help new students feel more welcome and have fun…”
- “We don’t have many people who are lonely at Cleveland, but there are a few…”
- “…it makes kids feel like they belong..”
- “When I came to this school I didn’t have any friends, so that’s why I want to be a friend with all the new kids in this school.”
- “The buddy bench would make the school a better place.”
- “Si on a un Buddy Bench à Cleveland, beaucoup plus de person dans notre école peuvent avoir des amies.”
I looked up “Buddy Benches” online, and found the following:
This is definitely and idea worth pursuing. I may need to find some help with funding, and will definitely need some help from the grade 5s about where to place a bench (or benches).
I will follow up with the students and staff and see where this leads.
Take care