MCPL's Children's Reading & Math Team (CRMT) is comprised of IU students providing one-on-one and drop-in help during the university academic year. During scheduled one-on-one, half-hour sessions, our CRMT staff assist children in grades 1-6 with the Reading Support program ("Let's Read Together"). During drop-in hours, our CRMT staff also assist children in grades K-6 with homework assignments in the Children's Homework Center.
Below are important dates for our programs. These dates correspond with MCPL Library Closings and the IUB Academic Calendar for the year.
August
August 29 - Registration for new one-on-one reading sessions begins
September
September 15 - Homework Center opens (Homework Help only)
September 29 - All tutors begin with returning one-on-ones (New applicants will be contacted as times become available)
October
October 13 - Library closed for staff day
November
November 23 - Last open day of Homework Center/tutoring before Thanksgiving Recess
November 24 through November 30 - Homework Center closed
December
December 1 - Homework Center/tutoring
December 11 - Last open day of Homerwork Center/tutoring before Final Exams/Winter Break
December 14 - Homework center closed until January 12
January
January 12 - Homework Center/tutoring resumes
January 19 - Homework Center/tutoring closed
March
March 12 - Last open day of Homework Center/tutoring before Spring Break
March 15 through March 22 - Homework Center/tutoring closed
March 23 - Homework center/tutoring resume
April
April 12 - Library Closed for Easter
April 30 - Last open day of Homework Center and tutoring
Research has shown that children improve their reading when receiving regular, one-on-one support. In the CRMT program, the tutor and registered children in grades 1-6 will read together, with the tutor introducing new vocabulary, encouraging and supporting the child's reading aloud, and helping the child understand and enjoy the works he or she reads. The tutor and child 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 the CRMT Coordinator at 349-3100.
For the coming school year, CRMT members 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 members are here to assist K-6 children 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, but you might want to call (349-3100) before visiting. To find out more about help, please read our FAQs below.
One-on-One Reading FAQs
How do I register my child for regular reading support sessions ("Let's Read Together")?
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 "Let's Read Together"?
Will children and Homework Helpers or Reading Tutors be allowed to leave the library?
Drop-in Homework 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
Library and CRMT staff will match your child to a tutor on a semester basis
Readers and tutors will meet only during times when IU classes are in session
Each reader/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 CRMT members have participated in training workshops developing skills in child communication using a literature-based tutoring model. Nevertheless, CRMT members 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 be helped with the "Let's Read Together" program?
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 support session each week. Any child may come for homework help in the Center as often as help is needed, but remember that for homework help you need to bring your homework assignments each time you come.
How do I register my child for regular reading support sessions ("Let's Read Together")?
Please come to the "Ask Questions Here" desk in the Children's Services department and request an application form. (Forms will be available for the Fall 2008 semester, starting Friday, August 29.)
Staff can help answer your questions, but will not be able to confirm a beginning date and time immediately. The CRMT Coordinator will match the child to a reading tutor and contact you 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, Reading Tutors can work with only one child at a time. However, you may schedule appointments for two children to work with two Reading Tutors during the same 30-minute session. The pairs will work individually. Because at least one CRMT member must staff the Homework Center when it is open, we do not have enough Tutors to schedule more than two reading sessions simultaneously.
My child can read and is in kindergarten. Can I register him/her for "Let's Read Together"?
No. The Reading 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 may also 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. Reading 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 for drop-in Homework Help in the Children's Homework Center.
Will children and Homework Helpers or Reading Tutors be allowed to leave the library?
No. Tutors and readers may move to different areas within the Children's Services to facilitate one-on-one interaction. In this case, the Tutor will tell the parent where the tutoring will take place. Homework Helpers may also move about Children's Services with the children 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 email the CRMT Coordinator at crmt@monroe.lib.in.us. Otherwise, let us know as soon as possible by calling Children's Services (349-3100), and we will inform the Reading Tutor.
What is the Homework Help Program?
The Homework Help Program is a free, drop-in service staffed by members of the Children's Reading & Math Team during the semesters IU is in session. We are located in the MCPL Children's Services' Homework Center.
When available (see Days & Times above) CRMT members can assist K-6th grade children by helping them understand school assignments, guiding their preparation for upcoming assignments or tests, aiding their use of the library's resources to work on reports, helping them focus on homework tasks effectively, and explaining troublesome math concepts. Appointments are not accepted.
How does the Homework Help Program use the resources in the Homework Center?
Resources in the Homework Center, 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 Children's Reading and Math Team staff 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 CRMT members, however, have the time to help children use the materials. The CRMT homework helper 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 Children's Reading and Math Team, 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:
July 30, 2008
° http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/irt.html
