New Boys & Girls Clubs of America Homework Tutorial Brings Relief to "Homework Headaches"

Remember what it was like to be sent home with a homework assignment even your parents couldn't help you with? As kids get older, it happens more often than you may think, but now there's a place they can turn for help.

This fall when the school bell sounds in thousands of communities across the country local Boys & Girls Clubs will offer Power Hour, an after-school homework assistance and tutorial program, sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.

Power Hour is designed for children ages 6 to 18, offering youngsters homework assistance in a non-threatening environment. Whether in the learning center or the technology center, members spend their first hour at the Club on homework assignments.

The basic concept behind Power Hour is to help young people practice and reinforce skills and concepts learned throughout the school day. Those who consistently complete their homework develop a deeper understanding of the work and are eager to move on to more challenging opportunities.

There’s also evidence that consistent homework completion helps youngsters develop valuable organizational skills, including time management and task completion -- skills necessary for academic achievement and a foundation for future success.

One of the most important components of Power Hour is "homework helpers," adult or teen volunteers who help youngsters successfully complete their homework assignments. A school teacher who volunteers at the Boys & Girls Club in Rio Rancho, George Fuller explains, "When the children walk in the door they know that from 4 to 5 they can do their homework. It’s at a point now where the kids expect it. If they don’t get it, we’ve done something wrong."

Extensive research has repeatedly shown that good after-school education programs can raise math and reading performance, improve attendance, decrease involvement in crime and reduce dropout rates. Other research has also linked such programs to improved behavior at school and increased interest in learning.

"Additional research such as that provided by the U.S. Justice and Education Departments, convinced us to support Power Hour," says Ed Solczak, Director of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. "In Working for Children: Safe and Smart After-school Programs, experts confirmed that children who are left alone when school ends, have more difficulties with their class work than those who participate in after-school programs. We view our support of Power Hour as an important investment in the economic well being of America."

Perhaps the words of 12-year old Yessenia Martin of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake, sum it up best, "I do Power Hour so I can have a good future."

For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs of America, call (800) 854-CLUB or visit the group's Web site at www.bgca.org.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Eliminates "Homework Headaches" with Helpful Homework Tips for Parents

Does your child sing the homework blues? Here's a list of suggestions from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Power Hour program, sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund, that will help you bring harmony to homework time in your home.

* Create a homework kit: Decorate a box and fill it with homework essentials -- pencils, erasers, rulers, dictionary, thesaurus, beads for counting, paper, glue, scissors, etc...

* Establish a homework zone: With your child, identify a place in your home to do homework. Be sure the place is well lit and comfortable. Decorate with your child's work or an incentive chart.

* Make a daily schedule for homework: Encourage your child to do homework at the same time every day. Turn television and videos off during homework time.

* Do adult homework: Go through the mail or make dinner. When you establish consistency and routine, you help your child focus on homework.

* Be a positive role model: Your attitude rubs off -- make homework fun not a chore.

* Help your child develop organizational skills: Help your child create a plan for getting all assignments completed. Once complete, help your child organize her backpack and set it by the door so he or she won't forget it in the morning.

* Watch for frustration: Let your child take a break or move onto other assignments if one is causing frustration. Go back and work on the frustrating assignment together.

* Remember it is your child's homework: Giving answers prevents your child from learning the material. Be supportive but let your child do the work.

* Talk with your child's teacher: Make sure you understand the approach his or her teacher takes toward homework. Discuss progress and your concerns with the teacher.

* Encourage and reward: Praise your child for progress and reward for completion. Have your child place a star on the family calendar every time he or she finishes all homework assignments. When your child collects ten stars, recognize this with a reward like making a favorite dinner or a trip to the park.

* Celebrate a Homework Free Day: Friday or Saturday is an ideal day to take a break from homework and do a special family activity. Go for a hike, bake cookies or watch a favorite movie together (with popcorn of course)!