What Volunteering at the Homework Club Means to Me
Stanton Community Center Afterschool Homework Club
What Volunteering at the Homework Club Means to Me
Retired senior and grandparent in Annapolis, I read about the after-school Homework Club at the Stanton Center in St. Anne’s Sunday bulletin. Inspired by the many volunteers at St. Anne, I felt that I could make a contribution by working with children through the Homework Club. I started volunteering in January one day a week, working with first graders to develop reading and math skills. There is a high level of energy and we learned how to harness that energy to focus on tasks at hand. The kids love being read to and I soon discovered reading together, a paragraph or page each, and talking about the pictures kept everyone’s attention. The math worksheets were fun to do as well. Watching the little ones count on their fingers or use a counting card made me smile, as they worked out solutions for themselves. The kids really thrived with a little love and encouragement.
This experience gave me a lot of joy. I’d get an occasional hug of appreciation, or be invited to shoot hoops in the gym afterwards, a real sign of acceptance! I was also greatly inspired by the student volunteers from St. John’s College and St. Mary’s High School. These young leaders really connected with the fourth and fifth graders. It was rewarding to be with fellow volunteers from St. Anne’s, and to work with the wonderful staff at the Stanton Center. Volunteering has connected me to the community and has given me a greater appreciation for Annapolis.
Stefan Choquette