With all the youthful excitement permeating these fave Carlsbad locales, one might think a fast food restaurant is giving away free fries to kids. In fact, nutritious food for the mind is on the menu every afternoon after school, from Monday to Thursday. That's when students dive into the Homework Zone offered by the Carlsbad Library at its three facilities (Cole, Dove, Learning Center).
"Libraries are the great starting place for everyone, wherever they may be in their learning journey," said Library Director Heather Pizzuto. "While more information is available on the Internet, libraries continue to serve a vital role connecting people with information and ideas. The Homework Zone delivers on this role by connecting students with the information they need to be successful in their studies, through personalized help from a volunteer tutor who has the time to listen and understand exactly what the student needs to find or learn."
Homework Zone volunteers do not do the kids' homework for them. Instead, they guide students in grades 1-12 to find the answers themselves, thereby teaching a key lesson that goes beyond homework assistance. Students can get help with a variety of academics, including studying for a test and writing a report. Volunteers also help students learn effective study skills.
On a recent afternoon, one family of five Jefferson Elementary students, including a set of twins, was at the Library's Learning Center 15 minutes ahead of time, in enthusiastic anticipation of their daily session.
"My three younger sisters have a tutor who speaks Spanish," third-grader Edgar explained. "My older sister and I speak English really well, so we do it in English. We are bilingual!" he said, beaming with pride.
The Learning Center is located on Eureka Place, which to me is an apt name, since this is a place brimming with Eureka moments of educational epiphanies. Libraries have been called the "great equalizer" of society because anyone can walk in and learn about anything and everything, at no cost. This unfettered access to information is invaluable to everyone, especially our children.
The program's results can be amazing.
"I'm good at reading and stuff, but I come here for math," Valley sixth-grader Elisa Shapiro said. "It's really helping. My grade is going up and now I like math better."
Two first-year Homework Zone tutors do not have children of their own, yet volunteer their time and skills to help other people's children learn. Both declare that they absolutely love it.
Mira Costa student Tara Sterk says, "It's so rewarding. I see the students understanding the concepts. Watching that light come on in their head makes my time totally worth it. Sometime children just need to have something explained in a different way than in the classroom."
Retired preschool teacher Jamie Friedman said, "This is a wonderful program. I wish I'd had something like this when I was growing up. My favorite part is to see the kids so eager to learn."
That spark, the eagerness to learn, is something that, once ignited, can last a lifetime. As a lifelong educator with a passion for learning, I have always found libraries to be so welcoming and inspiring; like a home away from home. After I retire this summer, you'll certainly see me at the library, perhaps as a Homework Zone volunteer!
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For more information about the Carlsbad Library's Homework Zone, visit http://1.usa.gov/aHH3cs
"Libraries are the great starting place for everyone, wherever they may be in their learning journey," said Library Director Heather Pizzuto. "While more information is available on the Internet, libraries continue to serve a vital role connecting people with information and ideas. The Homework Zone delivers on this role by connecting students with the information they need to be successful in their studies, through personalized help from a volunteer tutor who has the time to listen and understand exactly what the student needs to find or learn."
Homework Zone volunteers do not do the kids' homework for them. Instead, they guide students in grades 1-12 to find the answers themselves, thereby teaching a key lesson that goes beyond homework assistance. Students can get help with a variety of academics, including studying for a test and writing a report. Volunteers also help students learn effective study skills.
On a recent afternoon, one family of five Jefferson Elementary students, including a set of twins, was at the Library's Learning Center 15 minutes ahead of time, in enthusiastic anticipation of their daily session.
"My three younger sisters have a tutor who speaks Spanish," third-grader Edgar explained. "My older sister and I speak English really well, so we do it in English. We are bilingual!" he said, beaming with pride.
The Learning Center is located on Eureka Place, which to me is an apt name, since this is a place brimming with Eureka moments of educational epiphanies. Libraries have been called the "great equalizer" of society because anyone can walk in and learn about anything and everything, at no cost. This unfettered access to information is invaluable to everyone, especially our children.
The program's results can be amazing.
"I'm good at reading and stuff, but I come here for math," Valley sixth-grader Elisa Shapiro said. "It's really helping. My grade is going up and now I like math better."
Two first-year Homework Zone tutors do not have children of their own, yet volunteer their time and skills to help other people's children learn. Both declare that they absolutely love it.
Mira Costa student Tara Sterk says, "It's so rewarding. I see the students understanding the concepts. Watching that light come on in their head makes my time totally worth it. Sometime children just need to have something explained in a different way than in the classroom."
Retired preschool teacher Jamie Friedman said, "This is a wonderful program. I wish I'd had something like this when I was growing up. My favorite part is to see the kids so eager to learn."
That spark, the eagerness to learn, is something that, once ignited, can last a lifetime. As a lifelong educator with a passion for learning, I have always found libraries to be so welcoming and inspiring; like a home away from home. After I retire this summer, you'll certainly see me at the library, perhaps as a Homework Zone volunteer!
***
For more information about the Carlsbad Library's Homework Zone, visit http://1.usa.gov/aHH3cs