Homeschool Club works on STEAM learning

Ritter Library offers indepth learning on the third Tuesday of the month for science projects.

Ritter Public Library, 5680 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion, provided homeschoolers with the opportunity for some in-depth, hands-on learning Oct. 24 during the Homeschool Club program.

“The program is on the third Tuesday of the month,” said Bethany Schmitkons, youth services coordinator at the Ritter Library.

Schmitkons said this program spawned from STEAM (science technology engineering arts and math) events she used to do.

“I used to have the homeschoolers in one group,” she said. “Now, we separate the kids into two groups to make the lessons more tailored for specific age groups.

“We typically have kindergarten through second-grade in one room and third-grade through sixth in the other.”

Schmitkons said the turn out for the program is pretty good.

“I typically see around six or eight in my group of older kids, and the younger siblings usually fall into the other group,” she said. “The program allows homeschoolers to get some hands-on learning they might not get at home, so I’m glad when kids are able to come out and be a part of it.”

Schmitkons said her lesson focused on coding.

“It includes the sequencing they’ve learned and uses building-block coding to get robots to function,” she said. “Three robots will be set up, and stacking the different codes allows the robots to do some simple tasks the kids input into an iPad.

“I get the lessons from the ‘Hour of Code’ program. We implemented coding at a parent’s request. I’m glad we can provide a resource for the homeschoolers they might not have otherwise.”

Patricia Stroman-Brown, children’s library associate, said the younger children lean more toward the arts.

“Arts and social studies are more typically covered with the younger ones,” Stroman-Brown said. “The children are making rivers using paper for the background and adding lily pads. It’s something they can do, and it is informative enough for that age.”

Angela Cawrse, of Vermilion, said the library is doing a great job working with the students.

“My children have been homeschooled since kindergarten, so I’m glad the program is available,” Cawrse said. “It’s nice to have them get out and get the hands-on lesson.”

Theresa Shipman, of Vermilion, said her sons really enjoy the program.

“They were asking me about it and were excited to come,” Shipman said. “We go to the library often, and this is a great program they are offering for homeschoolers.”

The library’s next Homeschool Club starts at 1 p.m., Nov. 20.

ZACH SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Sam Cawrse, 7, a second grader, left, Noah Cawrse, 9, a fourth grader, middle, and Grant Brown, 10, a fourth grader, all from Vermilion, work with Bethany Schmitkons to create a path for a robot.