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The Bargain Hunger
Library a useful tool in enhancing at-home learning experience
By Dave Mast
November 16, 2020
When many people think about a library, they envision going in,
perusing shelves of books and signing out something to read for a few
weeks.
Libraries have come a long way since those days, providing many
valuable functions that go far beyond the mere effort to check out
reading material. Learning programs, genealogy, computer usage and more
have allowed families to utilize the library in many ways.
As COVID-19 moved into people’s lives this year, many families have
opted to go the route of online learning, choosing to keep their
children in the safety of their own homes to further their education.
In addition, many families were already home-schooling before the onset
of the coronavirus.
While online learning and home-schooling are viable alternatives being
offered by school districts, the Holmes County District Public Library
has recognized when children aren’t at school, they are missing out on
some of the physical activities and social aspects that keep young
people engaged, healthy and happy.
With that in mind, the county library is seeking to provide ways for
young people to get out and get active in hopes the advice provided
will encourage young people to not just sit at home while learning
online.
“We just want families to know that we care about the welfare of their
children and we are here for them if they want some guidance in how to
best create opportunities to remain active,” said Michelle Skolmutch,
head of children’s services at the HCDPL.
Skolmutch said the three areas of education that are absent from the
lives of many of the students learning at home include music, physical
education and art. She said they have had a number of parents request
ideas on how they could bring those things into their home or at least
go to where those activities are available.
“We are providing some fun activity kits for kids, but we are also
going to incorporate into that something that includes physical
education, music and art,” Skolmutch said.
Skolmutch said the library is providing literacy packets for younger
children because they can’t currently have story time at the library.
The packets are designed for younger children about kindergarten age.
“We are providing them with skills that will help encourage them to
become readers,” Skolmutch said. “If we can’t connect with people in
person, we want to be available to families by phone, email or through
our website.”
In providing ways to keep kids active, the library has DVDs of yoga
instructions, Billy Blanks’ exercise videos for kids, Troll dance party
DVDs and other platforms to entice activity.
“I think it is important to at some point step back, get active, and
that helps take some of the pressure off of studies so they can
refocus,” Skolmutch said.
While the students learning at home may be experiencing something new
in the way of learning, it also is a new experience for parents who are
leading them through their online studies, and the pressure can boil
over and become a burden when not handled correctly. That is where the
library hopes to help provide guidance in forming a balanced daily
routine that benefits everyone involved.
“We understand it is a unique time and that every parent wants their
child or children to get a great education,” Skolmutch said. “We
believe we can help provide that.”
The Holmes County District Public Library also is fortunate to have two
staff members who are veteran home-school mothers including Linda
Figueroa and Beverly McClure. Both home-schooled their children, so
their insight into how to best keep kids actively learning at home can
be a huge advantage for parents seeking the best options for
extracurricular activities for their children.
“They are both very knowledgeable, and they still understand the basics
and what it is like to try to get a child active while learning in the
home setting,” Skolmutch said. “They do a fabulous job in providing
great ideas for families hoping to initiate activities beyond the
learning portion of studying at home.”
In addition to materials families can utilize, the library also is a
good place to ask questions about what things are happening locally
that can include physical activity.
Skolmutch said the area on Glen Drive beside the library is ideal with
a skate park, basketball hoops, a disc golf course, ample area to walk,
jump rope and play being available. She also said the Holmes County
Park District is another great place to seek advice, where kids can get
involved with activities to strengthen body, mind and soul.
Skolmutch said fishing, roller skating, bug collecting, birdwatching
and other activities will get kids outside and active while providing
learning opportunities.
The Holmes Center for the Arts provides opportunities to learn dance,
singing and more while the library provides plenty of how-to books on
art and music projects.
If a family would like to learn more about how they can take advantage
of the library’s many different offerings, they may do so by calling
the main library at 330-674-5972 or the east branch at 330-893-3464.
They also may visit the library website at www.holmeslibrary.org, where
there is a kids’ home-school resource link. On the link there are
several options including getting started, how to home-school, the Ohio
Department of Education and more.
Additional ways to enhance physical education in the home will be available as the library posts them on the website.
“We will have both free activities and activities that may cost a
little to attend, but we want to create as wide a range as possible for
families,” Skolmutch said.
With home learning being so new for families, the Holmes County
District Public Library can be a useful tool in enhancing a child’s
at-home learning experience.
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