Learning Buddies Build Confidence and Focus at Ramstein Elementary
RAMSTEIN, Germany — In Mrs. Debra Trunick’s first-grade classroom at Ramstein Elementary School, students are supported by special classroom companions known as learning buddies—an initiative designed to reinforce academic readiness and strengthen development throughout the school year.
At the start of the year, students have the opportunity to earn a learning buddy by demonstrating they are academically prepared and socially ready for the responsibility. Once earned, each student keeps their learning buddy for the remainder of the school year, using it as a support tool during daily classroom activities.
Students follow clear and meaningful expectations to maintain their learning buddy privileges. Learning buddies may sit in students’ laps or rest on desks while students complete reading, math, and other classroom assignments. If expectations are not followed, the learning buddies return to their designated storage area—referred to by students as their “home”—or take a temporary two-day break. Trunick consistently reminds students that learning buddies are not toys, but tools that support learning and positive behavior.
Each learning buddy holds a unique place in the classroom, helping students remain calm, focused, and motivated to make positive choices. Students take pride in maintaining the responsibility, often demonstrating increased engagement and self-regulation while working alongside their companions.
“Students often develop important social-emotional skills when they work with their learning buddies,” Trunick said. “This practice supports Behavior and Social Emotional Learning and strengthens Tier 1 instruction throughout the entire school day.”
The positive effects of the program have extended beyond Trunick’s classroom. Deborah Lowder, a Learning Impairment teacher at Ramstein Elementary, has incorporated learning buddies into her instruction and observed noticeable improvements in student engagement.
“My students sit up straighter and are more involved in their classwork when their learning buddies are present,” Lowder said.
The learning buddy initiative highlights the creativity and dedication of Ramstein Elementary educators, providing students with additional tools to support both academic success and emotional well-being.
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This initiative supports the Department of War Education Activity’s Blueprint for Continuous Improvement by advancing Strategic Goal 1: Student Excellence and Strategic Initiative 1.4, which promotes safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments that foster student growth and achievement.
