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The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
These days, some of the most effective mentors aren't just teachers and guidance counselors -- they're also actual students. Student-to-student mentoring programs link struggling kids with their own peers to provide support, advice, and guidance. These student mentors may act as tutors to younger students, or they may work as mediators, leading their classmates through conflict resolution.
Incoming freshmen can benefit when schools assign older students to help them navigate the often difficult transition from middle school to high school. Some student-to-student mentoring programs have an academic focus, and others address social issues, but they all promote cooperation, trust, and confidence in both mentor and mentee. Does your school offer such a program? We want to know!
Peer mentoring in the elementary grades
Submitted by Diane Demee-Benoit on April 11, 2008 - 23:40.
You might be interested in these two Edutopia videos which include peer mentoring at the elementary level:
Cooperative Arithmetic: How to Teach Math As a Social Activity
Peace Helpers: PS 24
Starting a peer mentoring program at an elementary school
Submitted by Alisa (not verified) on April 11, 2008 - 13:17.
I am trying to start a peer mentoring program at my kids' elementary school in Denver. Does anyone have any advice on where to begin? I'm finding info on middle and high schools but not primary schools. Any wisdom? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Poulsbo Middle School has a peer mentor teams program
Submitted by Ginny Bell (not verified) on April 6, 2008 - 14:42.
Our middle school has had a successful program for the last six years. As the coordinator, I am funded for ten hours each week to recruit, train, and organize the students. I recommend that you use 4-8 student leaders per grade level and have the mentor teams sign a contract which spells out their duties and responsiblities.
Poulsbo Middle School is in Washington State
Mentoring Program
Submitted by Dave Haines (not verified) on February 14, 2008 - 10:27.
I am currently setting up a high school to middle school student mentoring project and was wondering if you knew of any organizations that have similar programs. Thank you for your time.
Dave Haines
Student-to-student mentoring
Submitted by Dianna (not verified) on March 27, 2008 - 10:14.
Dave - You might check out Fountain Hills Middle School in Arizona: http://www.ms.fountainhillsschools.org/. They have a program from middle school students to the elementary echool students. Several years ago it was high schoolers mentoring middle schoolers who in turn mentored elementary students. It was based on a program called "Generations," that was developed by a teacher there. Not sure if the Generations program it's still around, but I believe they still highly promote mentoring and may be a good resource for you.
Peer mentoring
Submitted by Dan Condon (not verified) on January 30, 2008 - 18:31.
We also have students mentor new staff. Who know the school better? It's a powerful shift of power that benefits everyone.
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