OMG... Are we done yet?
By: Sam Schulte
Okay, I’m trying to think back to my freshman year of high
school. The typical school day didn’t consist of more than maybe an hour of
homework. However, at Homework Help sometimes it seems like the students’
homework is never-ending. Last Monday I worked with a girl who is a freshman in high school. I thought it would be a little easier than helping some of the younger kids because she would be less distracted and know what to do. Well, as usual, I was wrong.
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| The book she had to write about |
We picked a spot to sit and she pulled out her homework folder. One by one, she pulled out worksheet after worksheet. Finally, with a small pile in front of us, she looked at me and said, "Alright. What should we start with?" I immediately knew that I would be staying later than usual. We started with her business worksheets, which weren't too hard. Next she pulled out an essay assignment about a book she had recently read, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As I read the essay prompt she kind of just looked at me like she was waiting for me to say something. I asked her if she knew what to write about, and she explained that's why she needed my help. Having never heard of this book, I took out my phone to Google some information about it. After getting a basic understanding of the plot, I gave her some characters she could write about, but she still seemed confused. Ultimately, the essay took a lot longer than it should have because I really had to help her think.
After we finally finished the essay, she worked on a math worksheet, which thankfully didn't take long. Almost two hours into Homework Help, we began her assignment on Jim Crow laws. Honestly, I felt a little uncomfortable discussing them aloud because the topics were really heavy and there were a lot of younger kids around us. But I was there to help, so I helped explain them. Finally, we were down to one more worksheet and it was so easy! All she had to do was make a time capsule drawing that represented Lexington. I felt so relieved because I can't even remember the last time I had so much homework all in one night.
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| Time capsule items from left to right: Paul Lawrence Dunbar poems, Wildcat jersey, horseshoe, bluegrass, Keeneland tree trunk |
As I put my coat on to leave she said, "Oh shoot. I forgot about my biology project!" All I could think was "Oh my gosh. So. Much. Homework" but then she said, "No I left it at school so I'll just do it tomorrow" Almost three hours later with only one student, I was finished. Don't get me wrong, I love helping out the kids there, but holy cow! Three hours of homework for one night?! My brain was fried; I can't even imagine how she felt. We were exhausted.
Sounds like you're working hard! What types of lessons have you learned while volunteering? Although you're the one "teaching" the kids, is there anything they have taught you? Would recommend this type of program being started in other areas besides Lexington?
ReplyDeleteTutoring the younger kids has definitely been a refresher on basic math concepts! Overall though, the kids have helped me learn the value of patience. When I began tutoring, I was very easily frustrated. Although I'm still getting there, my patience is growing. It's hard to be upset with kids who are so cute and innocent, especially when they really need my help. I definitely would recommend starting this program in places other than Lexington. I think that it sets a good foundation for children by teaching them to do homework right away after school.
DeleteWow, that seems like it could be very overwhelming. I did not realize that you all worked with students that were so old, I had just assumed it was mostly elementary aged kids. Do you ever find it more difficult to work with the older kids since there is a less of an age gap? And does this lack of age difference ever cause them to not respect you as much?
ReplyDeleteI've never had an experience where the kids disrespect me, but it is a little more awkward when the kids are older. We tutor kids from Grade 1 to Grade 12, but most of the kids are in elementary school.
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