Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs student2student
The reading gap in primary school between the lowest socio-economic students (SES) and the highest SES is equivalent to almost 3 yrs of schooling.1
The literacy foundations built by children during their primary and early secondary years are crucial to their ability to do well at school. Research identifies a clear link between the development of cognitive skills such as literacy and numeracy at an early age and higher levels of education achievement, greater employability, higher earnings and greater social participation.2
What is student2student?
Our student2student program works by matching students who need to improve their reading with peer Buddies who help and encourage them with their reading. Peer support is central to the program’s success. Evidence indicates that one of the best ways to support students who have reading difficulties is for the help to come from others near their own age.3
student2student involves these two groups of participants:
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Students in Years 3 to 8 assessed as being up to two years behind in their reading development and want additional support to improve their reading.
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Reading Buddies with good literacy skills who are at least two years older than the student. The Buddies are trained by The Smith Family to help their students develop reading confidence and skills, using the ‘Pause, Prompt, Praise’ reading support method.
Each student and Buddy read two to three times a week for at least 20 minutes, over an 18 week period.
The student2student program is currently delivered digitally.
The student2student digital model enables students to connect using a website called Chatty Kids. Students read eBooks provided on the site and use the Voice over IP function to speak to their Buddy.
How does student2student help?
For more than a decade student2student has been annually evaluated and has consistently realised reading improvements in participants.
Reading improvement is assessed through the implementation of a pre and post-program reading test and surveys with all participants (readers and Buddies), including feedback from parents. Since its inception, the program has proven the value of peer to peer reading.
In 2022, a detailed analysis of data for 1150 student2student participants was carried out. Students, Buddies and parents were also asked to complete surveys about their experience of the program.
- 94% of students improved their reading
- 74% of students agreed they read more having completed the program
- 80% of students agreed the program helped them feel more confident with school work
- 88% of parents reported children felt better about themselves
- 93% of parents report their child’s reading has improved.
Before introducing the program nationally, The Smith Family trialed and independently evaluated the student2student program for three years in New South Wales.
You can help disadvantaged Australian children get the most out of their education and create a better future for themselves. Join our community of volunteers and help us to provide the support these children need.
Volunteer What our participants tell us
It was good reading to someone that I didn't know because they didn't judge me when I made mistakes.
Our learning programs
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Arts programs
Providing students living with disadvantage access to arts programs to help support students'; engagement with school by increasing their creative skills, self-confidence, social networks and knowledge of post-school options.
Community programs
We partner with government, schools, families, and other service providers to improve educational outcomes for children.
Financial programs
We offer financial programs for parents facing disadvantage and an interactive high school program, building youth financial literacy, decision-making skills, and future awareness.
School transition programs
Providing help for students transition from primary to high school by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and attitude for the new learning environment.
Learning Clubs
After-school Learning Clubs give children help with literacy homework in a safe, supportive environment, encouraging children to better engage with their learning.
Learning for Life
Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
Literacy programs
Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
Numeracy programs
We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
Technology programs
Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
Work experience programs
We provide work experience programs for students living with disadvantage, to help them explore their future career options and potential job opportunities.
1 Department of Education Science and Training (2005), Teaching Reading: National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
2 Australian Council for Educational Research Ministerial Council for Education (2010), National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy Report. Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs (MCEEDCDYA).
3 Rohrbeck,C.A.et al (2003) Peer-assisted learning interventions with elementary school students: a meta-analytic review. Journal of Education Psychology, 95(2), 240-257.
2 Australian Council for Educational Research Ministerial Council for Education (2010), National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy Report. Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs (MCEEDCDYA).
3 Rohrbeck,C.A.et al (2003) Peer-assisted learning interventions with elementary school students: a meta-analytic review. Journal of Education Psychology, 95(2), 240-257.