The Kindergarten & 5th Grade Buddy Expo

We are thrilled to share the success of our Buddy Expo, a vibrant collaboration that brings our oldest and youngest elementary learners together for a morning of mentorship, creativity, and high-tech fun.

This event is more than a meet-up; it is a showcase of leadership and academic application. Our fifth-grade students step into the role of educators, designing original interactive experiences specifically tailored to support our kindergarteners’ growing minds.

At the heart of the expo are custom-made board games engineered by our fifth graders. These aren’t just for fun; each game is strategically designed to reinforce essential literacy and math concepts. From phonics-based adventures to numerical challenges, our fifth graders ensure their kindergarten “buddies” practice core skills while aiming for the finish line.

Technology takes center stage at our Ozobot stations. Fifth graders program intricate maps for these miniature robots, creating a visual and interactive “bridge” that symbolizes the journey through the elementary years. This hands-on coding activity lets kindergarteners see the exciting tech possibilities that await them as they progress through school.

Recognizing that every student learns differently, the expo includes stations that highlight different learning styles, including:

• Kinesthetic stations: movement-based activities that get students active while learning.
• Visual-spatial stations: art-integrated tasks and 3D building.
• Auditory and collaborative hubs: storytelling and peer-to-peer discussion areas.

“Watching the fifth graders patiently explain complex ideas to their buddies is a highlight of the year. It truly showcases the empathy and leadership skills we strive to build in our community.”