On Releasing My Inner Kid...

There are so many things I love about REACH. I love getting a break from craziness of campus, my prelims and papers. I love spending time with the kids at my site, but most of all, I love that my time spent at IACC helps me release my inner kid. A few weeks ago, my inner kid was brought back to the days of elementary school and show and tell.

Over Winter Break, I took a 10 day trip to Israel through a program called Birthright. I had told Lyn, my site supervisor about it before I left for the semester and she was so excited for me. When I called her in January to discuss my new schedule and when I would start, she asked me how the trip went and if I had any pictures to show her and the kids. When I went in to the site later that week, I brought the scrapbook I had made. My site supervisor was so impressed by the book that she insisted I do a show and tell with the kids. They all sat around the carpet in a circle as I brought out my book. Most of them listened intently as I flipped through the pages and explained the pictures from my amazing journey.

What was really special for me was being able to share some of my life with these kids that I have come to know so well. I see them on a weekly basis, I’ve met their parents and their siblings, but they have never really seen my life outside of REACH and Ithaca. This little show and tell allowed the kids to see part of my life, to see me as more than just someone who helps them with their homework and plays in the gym with them. For me, that is what REACH is all about, not just helping these kids academically, but letting them into your lives like friends. I’m glad I got to get in touch with my childhood self and bring in a little show and tell.

~ Melanie Lipton

About IACC Daycare Center

Team Leader: Melanie Lipton (mfl47@cornell.edu)

Site Supervisor: Lyn Donahue

Location: 402 N Aurora St (about 2 blocks from the Seneca St. TCAT bus stop)

This site is an after school program located two blocks from the center of Ithaca Commons, easily accessible by the #10 or #30 TCAT bus. The program runs Monday-Friday from 2pm to 6pm. Tutors are needed most Monday-Thursday, since those are the days with the most homework. This year, the program will run with about 30 children, ranging in age from kindergarten to 5^th grade. The children arrive off various school buses between 2:15 and 2:45. They then go upstairs to the classroom and gym areas, where they receive snack. When the kids are done with snack, those who have homework move into the classroom area and receive help when needed. Areas requiring help range from having children read to you, to math problems to geography and writing, so all expertise are needed!

Homework can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours depending on how many children have it that day and how many need help. The estimate this year is that about 16 of the 30 children will have homework on a daily basis, so lots of help is needed! After homework, the children engage in a variety of fun activities, from art projects to gym games to going out on the playground when the weather allows. If you choose to stay after homework is done, the kids are always happy to have someone to play with! The children start getting picked up around 4pm, and this continues until 6pm, when the last few children leave.

Overall, this is a really fun and relaxed place to spend your REACH time! The kids love having homework help and the parents are so appreciative. The staff is also thrilled to have college students and the more the merrier!