2nd and 8th Grade Buddies Visit Garfield Park Conservatory

In September, TCS 2nd grade students traveled by “L” train to the Garfield Park Conservatory with their 8th grade “buddy” class. Eighth grade students helped make sure that their younger buddies were safe, supervised, and engaged during the visit, which included a park district program about plant pollination and plant diversity as well as time to explore and play in the grounds outside the conservatory.

“One fun fact that we learned was that Garfield Park Conservatory was designed by Jens Jensen, who also designed Scoville Park,” says 8th grade teacher Matthew Tucker. Scoville Park is directly south of The Children’s School in Oak Park.

The buddy program was established several years ago and showcases one of the advantages of a K-8 school, according to Academic Programs Coordinator Gloria Mitchell. “You see so much growth in the maturity and responsibility of the older students when they’re entrusted with helping to care for the younger ones,” she says. “They understand that someone more vulnerable than they are is looking up to them and counting on them to demonstrate understanding and kindness.”

The younger students benefit from the buddy experience too, notes 2nd grade teacher Kendra Roberts. “It’s an opportunity for both groups to rise to the occasion, see outside of themselves, and connect through shared reading, wonders about the world, laughter, lunch, games, field trips, hot chocolate and more. Second graders adore their buddies!” 

Coming up in October, middle schoolers in 7th and 8th grades will go kayaking with their Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade buddies at Thatcher Pond in River Forest. Teachers and students are looking forward to their next adventure together!