Tuesday, April 21, 2009
EYES Travels to Groton Elementary School - Nate Houghton
One Cornell Public Service Center program can certainly make a huge difference in the educational experience of a young student, but when two work together, the possibilities are boundless. The latest example of successful collaboration between REACH and another PSC group came less than two weeks ago, when EYES (Encouraging Young Engineers and Scientists) traveled to Groton Elementary School to teach the students a few principles of structural engineering. Working first with marshmallows and dry spaghetti before graduating to gum drops and wooden sticks, the budding builders discovered the basics behind many of the structures they see every day as well as their own potential as thinkers and scientists. The experience was valuable for everyone involved - except, perhaps, the parents who had to convince their children to go home eventually.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A tutor's perspective...
Hello, good day, and welcome. Now that the formalities are out of the way, what’s up? I’m fine thank you, even more so because of my latest revelation. REACH is unlike any other organization on campus, and I’ll tell you why.
On a typical day going to my site I often find myself staring out of the window of the van, wondering if what we’re doing really makes a difference. Do these kids even care, and even more important than that, are they learning? But, how does one judge that?
I started tutoring elementary school students last semester, so I wouldn’t say that I’m the most experienced but I can say that the experience that I have now is, priceless. Those kids appreciate all that we do, and we appreciate them. Last week, this girl asked me if one of the other tutors and I have “a connection.” We laughed and tried to change the subject, but she persisted. And, I realized that we do have a connection. We and a few select others are a connected group of individuals trying to help children in this area achieve. Someone helped us so why not help them? Worried about the time commitment? Make time. Worried about getting to your site? We provide transportation. No experience tutoring? What better experience than hands on? Your worries will always be there but this opportunity won’t.
Earlier I asked how do you judge if these kids care and if we’re actually making a difference. On my last visit a little boy ran up to me, hugged me, and said “can you please help me with my homework?” I guess that I’ll have to think about something else during those van rides. But, please join REACH, and reach to make a difference. Pun intended.
-Jayson
On a typical day going to my site I often find myself staring out of the window of the van, wondering if what we’re doing really makes a difference. Do these kids even care, and even more important than that, are they learning? But, how does one judge that?
I started tutoring elementary school students last semester, so I wouldn’t say that I’m the most experienced but I can say that the experience that I have now is, priceless. Those kids appreciate all that we do, and we appreciate them. Last week, this girl asked me if one of the other tutors and I have “a connection.” We laughed and tried to change the subject, but she persisted. And, I realized that we do have a connection. We and a few select others are a connected group of individuals trying to help children in this area achieve. Someone helped us so why not help them? Worried about the time commitment? Make time. Worried about getting to your site? We provide transportation. No experience tutoring? What better experience than hands on? Your worries will always be there but this opportunity won’t.
Earlier I asked how do you judge if these kids care and if we’re actually making a difference. On my last visit a little boy ran up to me, hugged me, and said “can you please help me with my homework?” I guess that I’ll have to think about something else during those van rides. But, please join REACH, and reach to make a difference. Pun intended.
-Jayson
Monday, September 1, 2008
Welcome to REACH - Groton Elementary School
Team Leader: Lindsey Cohen (lrc52@cornell.edu)
Site Supervisor: Laura Morgan (Ithaca YMCA)
Location: Groton, New York (a 25 minute drive from Cornell)
REACH has been active at the Groton Elementary School YMCA After School Program since January of 2008. The relatively new nature of the program allows tutors to be creative in truly impacting site's direction. Most students we work with are below the third grade level, with a large contingent in second grade for the 2008- 09 school year. Because the students are younger, the role of tutors at our site is more fluid, with less classical pedagogy and more opportunities to bring learning experiences to activities that the children enjoy (playing with matchbox cars, games on the playground, arts and crafts, etc.). That said, there is a fair amount of homework help involved in the tutoring, and all assignments are at a level that makes it easy to assist the children.
We visit our site in Groton five days per week, allowing tutors to participate on the days that work best in their schedules. The time commitment (including travel time to and from Groton) is generally from 2:45 pm to approximately 6:00 pm. The Public Service Center allows our site to use its van for transportation, a situation which lends itself to enjoyable and somewhat hilarious discussions with other tutors. Tutoring at REACH Groton Elementary is extremely rewarding and a great deal of fun for everyone involved!
Site Supervisor: Laura Morgan (Ithaca YMCA)
Location: Groton, New York (a 25 minute drive from Cornell)
REACH has been active at the Groton Elementary School YMCA After School Program since January of 2008. The relatively new nature of the program allows tutors to be creative in truly impacting site's direction. Most students we work with are below the third grade level, with a large contingent in second grade for the 2008- 09 school year. Because the students are younger, the role of tutors at our site is more fluid, with less classical pedagogy and more opportunities to bring learning experiences to activities that the children enjoy (playing with matchbox cars, games on the playground, arts and crafts, etc.). That said, there is a fair amount of homework help involved in the tutoring, and all assignments are at a level that makes it easy to assist the children.
We visit our site in Groton five days per week, allowing tutors to participate on the days that work best in their schedules. The time commitment (including travel time to and from Groton) is generally from 2:45 pm to approximately 6:00 pm. The Public Service Center allows our site to use its van for transportation, a situation which lends itself to enjoyable and somewhat hilarious discussions with other tutors. Tutoring at REACH Groton Elementary is extremely rewarding and a great deal of fun for everyone involved!
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