Feb. 4, 2026
Photo by Morgan Solomon
When juniors in the College of Education and Human Development step into the Tiger Reading Buddies classroom at the University of Missouri, they’re not just learning about literacy — they’re living it.
The program, part of LTC 4211 Literacy Assessment and Development, pairs future teachers with local children for hands-on reading experiences. For Nicole Bliven, course instructor and program leader, the focus is on giving students authentic opportunities that build confidence and classroom-ready skills.
“Tiger Reading Buddies is practice-based,” Bliven said. “Mizzou students aren’t just reading about strategies. They’re creating lessons, observing kids and adjusting on the fly. It’s exactly what they’ll do as teachers in their own classrooms one day.”
Two course sections of the program host homeschool families on campus, while others work in field placements across Columbia. Mizzou students greet families, explain activities and interact with parents. These real-world interactions go beyond the textbook, shaping students’ teaching practice in meaningful ways.
The program centers on three core ideas: giving students autonomy, grounding learning in practice and developing strong “kid watching” skills.
“Kid watching means paying attention to everything — what’s on the page as well as the nonverbals,” Bliven said. “If a child needs a break, students learn to notice and respond. That’s something you can’t teach from a book.”
Those moments of insight often lead to creative decisions. When two Mizzou students noticed their buddy struggling with the word “gym.” they turned it into a mini lesson on word patterns, connecting new vocabulary to familiar ideas. Another pair designed a 20-minute music and movement routine for a non-verbal child with Down syndrome. The child lit up, and the routine became a highlight of their sessions.
“We want students to take ownership,” Bliven said. “Seeing them design something meaningful and run with it shows they’re thinking like teachers.”
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