In a blog post on the Concordia University website, author Brian Gatens identifies several important benefits of having older students in mentoring roles with younger students.  (Gatens, Mentorship: How to Let Older Students Teach the Younger Ones)

While his article offers several benefits to this relationship, two stand out as something that happens at PNA on a regular basis.  From the beginning of the year to our annual all-school outing, to school wide assemblies  to the end of the year Field Day and different opportunities in between, PNA provides opportunities for multi-age activities.  These types of activities give students the opportunity to be positive role models for those that are looking up to them, watching how they behave in different circumstances and how they problem solve and collaborate.

On a smaller note, classes come together in different mentoring opportunities in more organic ways as well.  Recently, middle school students came in to offer wisdom and guidance to the second graders as they worked on publishing their non-fiction books.  Helping not only with organization, conventions and ideas, as well as offering their typing services, the middle schoolers were also modeling good work ethics, humor, growth mindsets and a caring and helpful attitude.

You can find these types of interactions on any given day at PNA.  From 3rd graders teaching 2nd graders what they know about reading mysteries, to 4th graders teaching Kindergartners the rules of GaGa on the playground, students of all ages are helping to cultivate the positive and connected community that is PNA.

Gatens, B. (2016, February 22). Mentorship: How to Let Older Students Teach the Younger Ones. Retrieved from https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/curriculum-teaching-strategies/older-students-mentor-younger-students/