Like many libraries, the North Olmsted Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) has afterschool homework help and enrichment in what the system calls the Student Success Center. And, like a lot of children at the library after school, many of the kids have wiggles to get out, might have additional sensory needs, or are neurodivergent. The Student Success Center is located in the library’s basement with its own hallway. Children’s Branch Supervisor Anna Heinz brought an idea to her branch manager—a Sensory Path. If the reader is unfamiliar with this idea, these pathways are designed to give children a “brain break” and inspire movement through the use of visual and tactile elements. CCPL’s graphic team was called. Led by Print Production Supervisor Gina Ehrman, they toured the space, spoke with Heinz about ideas she had, and did online research into sensory paths. Graphics Designer Shon Burks created more than…
Tag: homework help
Virtual Tutoring for K-12 Students
Fall is approaching, and along with cooler temperatures and falling leaves, we can expect homework questions! For years, Multnomah County Library had utilized online services like Tutor.com for homework help, as well as volunteers in our locations. However, all that changed during the COVID pandemic. How we got started with virtual tutoring When our locations were closed or had limited hours, we heard from families that they needed more support with online school. We researched other libraries that offered a virtual option for tutoring, such as the Miami Dade Public Library System and San Francisco Public Library’s FOG Readers. This article in the Oregon Library Quarterly has more details about the genesis of our program. When libraries reopened, families let us know they wanted virtual tutoring to continue! They appreciated not having to find transportation to the library or locate childcare for younger siblings. And having all our tutors available…
Children’s Librarians are Experts at Homework Assistance
One of the most satisfying parts of being a children’s librarian to me is helping children reach their academic goals. My branch has a Homework Center, and they directly help students complete their work and learn new skills. However, the part I really enjoy is when a child comes up to me on the floor with an assignment and needs to find research materials to complete their work. I remember being a kid myself—always being a little leery to ask an adult for their assistance. I love being able to take a task they find overwhelming and help them learn how to find books, articles, and websites that will give them an overwhelming sense of relief. I so enjoy the happy look on their faces when I send them off to write the report. Non-librarians may believe that the above is a folly—who needs a librarian’s help with the internet?…