Reading Buddies is an in-school program for 2nd and 3rd grade students who are close to reading on level. We train our volunteer literacy coaches to read with children. Big Buddies learn essential literacy skills, such as phonics, decoding strategies, and fluency. By working one-on-one with their Buddy for 30 minutes each week, Big Buddies provide academic and social support. The Reading Buddies program uses leveled, high interest books, specialized literacy activities, one on one reading, and a few arts and crafts to strengthen childrens' identities as readers. We consistently monitor student progress to adjust books and activities so they meet their current needs. By working with children in schools, we can better support and reinforce the skills they are learning in the classroom.