Power Hour makes homework fun, easy

Published Sept. 10, 2007
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Like most eight year olds, Michael isn't too fond of homework.

"It isn't fun for me," he said. "You have to do it at home and you have it every day."

But the Power Hour program at Peterson's Youth Center is trying to change the minds of kids like Michael.

Every Monday through Thursday after school, kids from kindergarten to high school can stop by the center for one-on-one tutoring with Youth Center staff and peers. Kids who don't have homework or finish their homework before Power Hour is over participate in educational activities such as producing a Youth Center newsletter or using the center's SAT and ACT prep materials.

For each educational activity kids participate in, they earn points that can be redeemed for prizes including goody bags and gift cards. Kids are also rewarded for reaching point goals as a group with pizza parties or ice cream socials.

"The points keep them motivated," said Mayrim Lopez, who runs the Power Hour program for the center's kindergarten through third-graders. "They like to look at their points and see how much they've earned. It makes homework exciting."

It also makes life easier for parents, said Erin Clapper, youth programmer at the center. Moms and dads don't have to worry about what their kids are doing after school, she said, and they also don't have to hound them about getting their homework done.

"With Power Hour, the parents know where their kids are, they know how to get a hold of them, they know that they're safe," Ms. Clapper said. "And the kids can get all they're stuff done, earn prizes and then just go play."

The program has worked for Michael. Working on his math homework Sept. 5, Michael said schoolwork isn't as boring when he gets it done during Power Hour.

"It's more fun to do it here because you have kids to help you and a counselor to help you," he said. "At home, you just have your parents."

(Power Hour runs from 4 to 5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays at the Youth Center. The Power Hour program for kids eight years and older is free to Youth Center members. Non-members can participate by purchasing a $2 daily visitor pass. Children in kindergarten through third-grade can participate in Power Hour through the center's after-school child care program. For information, call the Youth Center at 556-7220. )