A primary school created a buddy system that reshaped playground life forevery student. Teachers and staff noticed kids sitting alone or feeling leftout during recess. Students wanted change, and the staff listened.

With the new system, kids sign up as buddies. Every week, the school pairs older students with younger ones. Buddies look for children sitting alone or onthe sidelines and invite them to join games or talk. Teachers offer gentleguidance, but kids lead the effort.

The change was quick. Fewer children sat by themselves. Students chose theirbuddies and grew more confident. Even shy kids joined playground groups. Olderstudents took pride in caring for classmates. Teachers watched kids form newfriendships across grade levels.

Parents said they saw their children happier after school. Kids spoke aboutfeeling welcome. Reports of bullying dropped. Recess became about play, notcliques.

The buddy system needs only a sign-up sheet and help from staff. The realmagic came from students who wanted everyone to belong. Kids learned how small kindnesscan change someone’s day. It shows what happens when people choose to look out for each other.

Let’s grow stronger, friendlier schools and keep students happy and included one playground at a time.

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