Library offers help to students

Central Coast Council Library Service is on hand to help Central Coast school kids excel in 2018.

Council Unit Manager, Libraries, Ms Michelle Swan-Beardmore, is encouraging parents of young children to take advantage of the range of electronic educational resources available. “We have a suite of online programs available to introduce children to learning in an interactive and enjoyable way,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said. “With coding so prevalent these days, we have introduced Rainforest Coding, where children as young as 5 are introduced to the programming language ‘Scratch’. “Those 6 to 10-year-olds struggling with their maths will benefit from 10 Monkeys, our new learning tool where they will learn basic skills in a fun game-like environment. “To assist with literacy development, children can enter the vibrant and interactive online ‘reading room’ of Story Box Library. “Here children can connect, engage and be inspired by a diverse range of Australian storytellers, with access to activity ideas to help make reading fun. “All you need to access any of these great resources is your membership number,” Ms Swan-Beardmore said. Ms Swan-Beardmore added that there is also an array of in-house and online resources to assist older students. “Our most popular homework help tool for students in Years 3-12 would have to be the amazing online resource, Studiosity,” Ms SwanBeardmore said. “With just a click of a button, students are connected to professional tutors who offer real-time assistance with homework, assignments, essays, study skills and more. “The best thing about it is that students aren’t given the answer, but rather the tools to figure out the answer themselves, developing their problem solving skills and helping to reinforce what they have learnt. “Studiosity also provides a free writing feedback service, where students can upload draft essays and reports to obtain expert advice to help maximise their marks. “To help users get the most out of this fantastic program, Erina Library will be hosting a live demonstration for parents, carers, teachers and students on Thursday, February 22. “We also offer a collection of helpful online research databases, available 24/7, that cover a wide range of topics including English, geography, history, science and more,” Ms Swan-Beardmore added.

Source: Media release, Feb 5 Central Coast Council Media