Boys and Girls Club begins homework help for school year
Beginning today, the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin will implement its Power Hour/Project Learn program at all three of its service sites -- Ellis Middle School, Larsen Middle School and its temporary location at Bethesda Church of God in Christ.
This homework assistance program, funded by United Way of Elgin, is based on the premise that youngsters need to view their homework as an opportunity to learn to work independently and successfully completing a project on time, which enables them to feel positive about their accomplishment.
They need volunteers to provide assistance and guidance to members who are participating in the program.
The club welcomes any adults or older students who would be free to volunteer any time between 2 and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Potential volunteers must fill out an application to go through the volunteer process. With more than 70 club members participating in this program on any given day, the organization is in need of volunteers to offer young people the opportunity for more one-on-one help.
This is an interactive, after-school homework assistance program for children ages 6 to 18. Unlike assignments done in class, work is conducted in a fun after-school environment using "Homework Helpers" -- adults or older students who supervise completion of the homework.
In addition, these volunteers offer activities to stimulate club members' interest in learning. By explaining the relevance of learning fractions in order to cook a meal, for example, or by showing how geography can enable the youth to enjoy reading the newspaper, volunteers help club members learn to value the knowledge homework can bring. The long-term goal is to instill in youth a lifelong love of learning.
The program also offers tips for establishing essential communication with teachers and parents. Research has shown that parental involvement is a must if children are to develop good homework habits. It also provides incentives for members, rewarding them with "Power Points" and charting their academic progress on a colorful poster displayed prominently in the club.
To become a "Homework Helper," call Keavy Dixson at (847) 608-5017, ext. 2 to complete a volunteer application. All volunteers must pass a criminal background check and take part in a mandatory orientation process.