Catherine Burges, News Editor
@cburges_courant
Since March 13th, students in New Canaan have been forced to study and do “school” at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many of the younger students have had problems learning the material outside of the classroom environment. Not only this, but many parents have been overwhelmed trying to homeschool their children during these uncertain times. Recognizing this problem, Nicole Busby founded the program “Homework Helpers,” designed to match older students as tutors with younger students in the elementary schools and fifth grade. She took to New Canaan Mom’s Facebook page to share her idea and start recruiting students as tutors and tutees.
“I created a database of tutors and students with info on their school, grade, outside interests/extracurriculars, contact info to start the program,” said Mrs. Busby. “Then I matched students based on interests and gender. I also sent emails to the volunteers outlining the process, I sent an email to the parents of the elementary-aged students outlining the process, and additionally, I sent an introductory email to the helper and parent to get things started.”
Homework Helpers consists of students from East, West, and South Elementary Schools. The program recently opened up to 5th graders at Saxe Middle School as well, however, the program isn’t limited to the New Canaan public school system. Rather, it is open to students and tutors across the community and throughout Fairfield County. “Helpers are from New Canaan in grades 9 all the way through college, and we even have one student from Darien High School,” said Mrs. Busby. “Some of the schools include NCHS, St. Luke’s, Miss Porters, Hotchkiss, Berkshire, Westminster, Kent, Providence College, UVA, and Smith College.”
Ethan Xia, a freshman from St. Lukes, tutors a 5th grader at Saxe Middle School named Charles Burges. While tutoring sessions differ depending on the student’s skills and grade, Ethan and Charles spend a lot of time on mathematics. Ethan helps Charles with IXL problems assigned by his teacher. “During the practice, we would review different strategies or concepts that he is struggling with and familiar with. I try to establish new skills and more efficient methods and explain them,” said Ethan. “After the IXL practice, I try to reinforce and reassert these skills with a little more problems. For example, I reviewed the keywords that he can use to easily identify the type of problem. I also try to provide tips and techniques that have helped me in the past.”
Tutoring via a Zoom call can be somewhat challenging for both the tutor and the tutee, as the interaction is restricted to the tutors demonstrating things only on the computer. While Zoom has helped create a “face to face” interaction program, it is still not the same as being tutored in person. Ethan had to overcome the challenge of not being able to teach math through a pen and paper. “In math, most of the work is better retained when written down or physically computed,” he said. “You lose a part of the beauty of mathematics when you remove the pen and paper from the equation.”
However, Homework Helpers has provided a solution to many of the problems parents have faced trying to teach their children and provided an opportunity for both older students to learn, grow, and help each other during this time. “I think the program is so important because it provides an opportunity that many others cannot ever receive. I never had the chance to go to a tutor, although I had been struggling with LA / English,” Ethan said. “It helps younger children to be more comfortable with working with older kids and teachers, and it also encourages them to ask more questions and enjoy the process of self-discovery.”
Serena Platt, a freshman at NCHS, tutors Camila Brenon, a 4th grader at West Elementary School. Everyone student’s tutoring session looks different depending on their needs and their schedule, however, Serena usually works with Camila 3 times a week, generally from 2:00 – 2:30. “At first, it was a little difficult to sync our schedules and get the sessions started,” said Serena. “But once we found a rhythm, it became very smooth and easygoing!”
Serena thinks that the program has been very successful in not only helping the younger students, but her as well. “This program provides older kids with a chance to get to know some of the younger children of our community by aiding them with their schoolwork needs,” Serena said. “This is a time where everyone needs to unite and help each other, and I believe this program exemplifies that.”
Serena has always had a passion for teaching, and this program has given her the opportunity to re-discover her passion amidst the stress that encompasses high school life. “I really appreciate this opportunity from New Canaan Homework Helpers, and I encourage anyone who is interested to consider joining,” said Serena. “Homework Helpers has changed me by showing me I have a passion for tutoring and teaching younger children. I have learned that now I have an interest in teaching, and perhaps I might even pursue it in the future!”
While the future is uncertain, the people involved in Homework Helpers are optimistic that this program will continue even after quarantine. “We’re taking things one day at a time,” said Mrs. Busby. “But if families find the program useful and the schools continue distance learning into the fall, then I’d love for our helpers to continue to offer their assistance.”
The tutors are just as enthusiastic. “Just because we won’t be confined anymore doesn’t mean students won’t be needing our help. Perhaps we will find a way to meet them at their school and do some after-school tutoring, or we might continue Zoom calls from our homes if it’s more convenient,” said Serena. “Anything could be possible!”
