How might we improve literacy skills in first and second graders?
Open Book Adventures (OBA) is One Stone’s longest-running Project Good program. First and second graders from around the Treasure Valley come to One Stone to partner one-on-one with high school students, or “adventure guides,” for six weeks of building connections and diving into activities that encourage a love of learning. Young buddies gain a fun and caring near-peer mentor while high school students expand their skills in leadership, problem-solving, communication, and empathy.
The team planned for an overall theme of “Bee Your Buzzing Self” with each week focusing on a different topic: willingness, team-oriented, confidence, open to change, be(e) yourself, and community. However, before OBA began, the shelter-in-place order was given during the COVID-19 pandemic. To pivot, students created a penpal system where guides and buddies were given penpal kits to use during this time. The adventure guide wrote a letter each week to their younger buddy and recorded themselves reading a book that was sent to the young buddy as well.
Fast Facts Sheet
Year(s): Spring 2020
Focus: Literacy
Recipients: 1st and 2nd Graders
Number of recipients: 42
Number of One Stone members involved in planning: 37 guides
Number of weeks of planning: 5
How many hours it took to prepare for implementation: 30
How many hours it took to implement: 20
