There are moments in a school year that feel like milestones not because of awards or test scores, but because of what they represent: connection and creativity at work. At Smith-Wade-El Elementary, one of those moments arrived.
The Big, Big Buddy Program, an intergenerational literacy and mentorship initiative co-led by mother-daughter teaching team Pam and Jillian Black celebrated the unveiling of this year’s student-created books with a special event that brought both classrooms together under one roof. The program, now in its second year, pairs Jillian’s sixth-grade ELA students at Wheatland Middle School with Pam’s Pre-K students to co-author and illustrate children’s books, with each story representing a unique partnership and shared vision.
The room was filled with excitement as students reunited with their big-big buddies, not just to hold their finished books for the first time, but to hear them read aloud this time by none other than Dr. Camille Hopkins, SDoL’s Director of Schools.
Dr. Hopkins joined the celebration to read alongside the students, giving voice to the words they had written and honoring the collaboration that brought their stories to life. For many of the Pre-K learners, it was the first time they saw their work in a professionally printed format. For the sixth graders, it was a chance to reflect on their role as mentors, creators, and leaders.
For Pam and Jillian Black, this moment was especially meaningful. Pam, an 18-year veteran Pre-K teacher at Smith-Wade-El, has long believed in the power of early childhood education. Jillian, now in her second year of teaching, grew up watching her mom lead with intention and care. Together, they’ve turned a simple idea, “what if middle schoolers and preschoolers created something together?”, into a lasting and joyful program.
The Big, Big Buddy Program doesn’t just support literacy goals. It fosters empathy. It encourages leadership. It reminds students that their learning is connected, that what they do and who they are matters, no matter their age.
For more photos, visit us on Facebook.
#
To purchase their book: