MCPL's Children's Services Homework Center provides two free services to students in grades K-6: homework help and reading tutoring. The Homework Center is comprised of IU students trained to work with children as tutors. Homework help is available on a drop-in basis for any subject. Reading tutoring is available on a scheduled basis for students who are reading below grade level, who are struggling with reading, or who are beginning to read. Tutoring sessions are 30 minutes long and require registration. Registration ensures your child will meet with the same tutor at the same day and time during the IU academic calendar year. Reading tutoring sessions are intended for children who are fluent in English. They are not intended to tutor English as a Second Language (ESL). It is necessary for your child to speak English well to benefit from the program. Currently, reading tutoring is available only for students in 1st-6th grades. At this time we are unable to accept students who are in Kindergarten for reading tutoring sessions.
Below are important dates for our programs. These dates correspond with MCPL Library Closings and the IUB Academic Calendar for the year.
August
August 24 - Registration for new reading tutoring sessions begins
September
September 14 - Homework Center opens for drop-in homework help
September 21 - All tutors begin to meet with returning students registered for reading tutoring (New applicants will be contacted as times become available)
October
Watch for information about renovation plans for the Children's Department and temporary relocation of the Homework Center
October 12 - Library closed for staff day
November
November 23 - Last open day of Homework Center/tutoring before Thanksgiving Recess
November 24 through November 29 - Homework Center closed
November 30 - Homework Center resumes
December
December 1 - Homework Center/tutoring available
December 10 - Last open day of Homework Center/tutoring before Final Exams/Winter
Break
December 13 - Homework Center closed and reading sessions suspended until January
11
January
January 11 - Homework Center/tutoring resumes
January 18 - Homework Center/tutoring closed for MLK Day
March
March 11 - Last open day of Homework Center/tutoring before Spring Break
March 14 through March 21 - Homework Center/tutoring closed
March 22 - Homework Center/tutoring resume
April
April 4 - Library Closed for Easter
April 29 - Last open day of Homework Center and tutoring
Research has shown that children improve their reading when receiving regular, one-on-one support. Students must be registered to participate in the reading tutoring program. Tutors and students will read together, encouraging and supporting the child's reading aloud. Tutors will focus on comprehension, reading fluency and the introduction of new vocabulary. Students registered for the reading tutoring sessions will meet once a week for 30 minutes throughout the IU academic year.
To learn more about this program, please read our list of Frequently Asked Questions below, or call 349-3100.
For the coming school year, tutors are available in the Homework Center at the following days and times:
| Mondays | Tuesdays | Wednesdays | Thursdays | Fridays | Saturdays | Sundays |
| 3:30p-7:30p | 3:30p-7:30p | 3:30p-7:30p | 3:30p-7:30p | Closed | Closed | 1:30p-4:30p |
Our tutors are here to assist K-6th grade students with homework assignments, guide their preparation for upcoming projects, reports or tests, aid their use of the library's resources, and help them stay focused on their homework task. There's no need to make an appointment, drop-ins are welcome. To find out more about help, please read our FAQs below.
Reading Tutoring Sessions FAQs
May I register two children to work with the same reading tutor at the same time?
My child can read and is in kindergarten. Can I register him/her for reading tutoring sessions?
Drop-in Homework Help FAQs
How are reading sessions conducted?
Each session will include some reading, writing and/or drawing activity and will be conducted in the following manner:
Each weekly session is 30 minutes
Each week your child will meet with the same tutor
Librarian will match your child to a tutor on a semester basis
Students and tutors will meet only during times when IU classes are in session
Each student/tutor pair will read from a diverse selection of library materials
Librarians will help select materials based on the individual child's interests and reading level
All tutors have participated in training workshops developing skills in child communication using a literature-based tutoring model. Nevertheless, our tutors are neither professional tutors nor have they been trained to teach or tutor in specific subject areas. What they can offer is guidance and encouragement, particularly in reading.
Who can benefit from the reading tutoring sessions?
Children who are just learning to read
Children who are moving from one level of reading to another (for example, someone who is ready to leave short easy readers and begin to read chapter books)
Children who have trouble understanding what they read and need help with vocabulary
Children who need help staying focused on what they're reading
Children who want to catch up with others at their grade level in reading
Children who have been referred to the program by their teacher
Please Note: Our tutors have been trained in reading books and communicating with children. They are NOT trained to work with special-needs students. Librarians can help put you in touch with agencies that serve special-needs students.
What if I want to come more frequently than once a week?
A child may only be signed up for one 30-minute reading tutoring session each week. Any child may come to the Homework Center for homework help as often as help is needed.
How do I register my child for reading tutoring sessions?
Please come to the "Ask Questions Here" desk in the Children's Services department and ask for a Registration Request form. (Forms will be available for the Fall 2009 semester, starting Monday, August 24th.)
Staff can help answer your questions, but will not be able to confirm a beginning date and time immediately. You will be contacted when your child has been matched to a reading tutor to confirm a scheduled session day and time.
May I register two children to work with the same reading tutor at the same time?
No. Because they have been trained to work on reading skills with children individually, tutors can work with only one child at a time. However, you may schedule appointments for two children to work with two tutors during the same 30-minute session. The pairs will work individually.
My child can read and is in kindergarten. Can I register him/her for reading tutoring sessions?
No. The tutors are trained only to work with children in grades 1-6. Librarians can help you and your child choose books to further develop your child's reading skills. Your child also may enjoy using the Preschool Exploration Center, which features literacy building activities.
May I register my child for weekly sessions in other subjects, such as math, science, social studies?
No. Tutors are trained to offer ongoing support in reading only. If your child has specific questions about a homework assignment in another subject, you may bring him/her to the Homework Center for help.
Will children and tutors be allowed to leave the library?
No. Children and tutors may move to different areas within the Children's Services department to facilitate one-on-one interaction, but they will not leave the library. Tutors will inform parents when they are present where the tutoring will take place, and in any case, parents can expect to meet their child in the Homework Center at the end of the child's reading tutoring session. Children and tutors may also move about the Children's Services department to find reference materials and use computers, but they are based in the Homework Center.
What if I have to cancel a scheduled session?
If you know of the cancellation at least a week in advance, please inform your child's tutor. Otherwise, let us know as soon as possible by calling Children's Services (349-3100), and we will inform the tutor.
What type of homework help is available?
Free homework help is available for students in K-6th grades needing help with any school subject. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this drop-in service by bringing homework assignments, projects and research questions. Indiana University tutors are available during the semesters IU is in session to help guide your child's preparation for upcoming assignments or tests, aid their use of the library's resources to work on reports, help focus on homework tasks effectively and explain concepts. Your child may need to wait to be assisted, appointments are not accepted.
How are library resources used during homework help?
Library resources, both print and electronic, are available to any patron any time the library is open. Librarians can always help patrons identify useful materials and will work with the tutors to help locate appropriate resources. But, generally, the librarian's role ends when the needed information is located, as they must remain available to help other people seeking assistance.
The tutors, however, have the time to help children use the materials. Tutors can show children how to look up specific information within the resource. They can discuss and develop an understanding of concepts and vocabulary, help children read difficult text, make certain a child has actually identified the specific information needed, and then help the child organize and write whatever response is needed for the assignment.
The library cannot provide consumable supplies, such as paper for writing reports or poster boards. Students should bring with them markers, pens, crayons, folders, and other materials that might be needed to complete a homework assignment.
If you have any further questions about MCPL Children's Services or the Homework Center, including the homework help or reading tutoring sessions please feel free to contact us:
Email: crmt@monroe.lib.in.us
Phone: 812-349-3100
Contact
Us Monroe County Public Library, Monroe County, Indiana ° (812)349-3100
Updated:
January 14, 2010
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/homeworkhelp.html
