The students meet for about 30 minutes at least once a week to read aloud together and to participate in reading activities .
Teachers train the older students how to become mentors.
In the first training session, the students practice reading aloud, critique one another, and explore ways to share books with younger bookmates. These students learn that their job is not to teach younger students to read, but to help them enjoy books so that they will be motivated to read. In the meantime, kindergarten and first-grade teachers explain the program and invite the older students to observe as he or she models reading aloud to the younger students. The teacher also offers guidance to older students about their younger buddies' reading skills and special needs. RIF training program for lead teachers.