Pilot Program Launch

Student Mentorship Program

May 26, 2021

The Forest Hills Public School Chinese Immersion Parent Advisory Committee is excited to launch a 6-week student mentorship pilot program.  This mentorship program allowed 8th grade students to work with the younger students at Meadow Brook Elementary School.

ABOUT

Twelve 8th grade students facilitated virtual weekly and/or biweekly 30 minute sessions on Skype, working with sixteen first grade students.

•  8th grade mentors held a student led initial meeting for brainstorming session activities, planning possible conversations, review 1 st grade curriculum content. 
• Each 8th grader met with one to three 1st graders 
• 8th graders completed a total of combined 67 hours 
• Activities included: reading, playing games, review of characters, aural comprehension and speaking Mandarin

Cecilia Granstrom, Program Coordinator

It was exciting to see our 8th graders take on leadership roles, make new relationships and apply their Mandarin skills to mentor younger kids! 

 

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

Communication and leadership skills.

Working with a mentee provides an opportunity to practice necessary skills, including leadership and goal setting. Taking initiative and ownership of leading the weekly sessions provides a valuable skill set, promotes self-confidence, demands self-assessment and reflection – all valuable leadership development opportunities. Students were able to identify and achieve goals both individually and as a group and serve in the role model/support system role. Students practiced verbal presentation skills by providing a self-reflection during May 25, 2021 Celebration Event. 

Promote self-reflection.

Mentoring provides an opportunity to reflect not only on what you have achieved but also on how you got there. Which attributes and strengths were critical to your success? What should you be doing now to ensure you continue to learn and develop those attributes? In addition, asking questions of a mentee often supports deeper insights on your own learning path and achievements. 

Relationship building.

Cultivating networks is a critical factor in career success and progression, as well as personal growth and development. Building relationships requires active listening, non-verbal and verbal communication skills, empathy and emotional intelligence, networking and team-building skills, increased confidence and engagement. 

Create a community within the FHPS Chinese Immersion program.

Develop deeper collaboration between parents, students, administration and instructors. Gain insight into middle school/high school learning/curriculum. Recognize effort by both groups with thank you notes, celebration ceremony, and certificates. Highlight the value of the program to promote stronger commitment and engagement between participating families, and therefore contribute to the retention rate of the program.