Baffled by your children’s homework? You are not alone...

If you find everyday calculations or reading and writing a bit of a struggle, it’s easy to think you are the only person in the world with these problems. However, research shows that there are millions just like you…

• Nearly one in five parents is often surprised by how hard their children’s homework is.
• Three out of five said they’d help their children more if they felt more confident about subjects, such as maths or
   English.

First Steps Women’s Centre can help you support your children’s learning through their Brush Up Your Maths and English classes held twice weekly at the centre.

Joan McCool, Essential Skills Co-ordinator comments:
 
“Very often, the motivation for women to return to learning is the wish to help their children with homework.”

Deborah Donnelly attended Maths classes last year at the centre which she says helped her refresh her maths skills and is really useful when helping with her boys’ homework.  Deborah’s story is a common one.
 
“I was always terrified of maths at school. My original maths teacher at school was difficult to understand.  I was too afraid to ask questions and fell further and further behind.”

With the encouragement and support of her tutor, Deborah successfully completed her Level 1 and Level 2 Application of Number qualifications and now runs her own video production business.

Another motivating factor for women returning to learning is to improve their job prospects in order to make a better life for themselves and their children. 

Dee Lavelle, whenever she thought of applying for a job in the library, realized she could not meet the essential criteria because she had no maths qualification. Although having a real fear of failure, she was determined to complete her qualifications to improve her job prospects.  Unbeknown to Dee, she actually suffers from a form of number dyslexia which was identified by her class tutor.  Using appropriately coloured overlays helped her to be able to read the questions she was attempting to answer, whereas previously she felt overcome by panic when others seemed to be able to cope much faster than her.

Dee successfully completed her Level 1 and Level 2 Application of Number, which leaves her feeling more comfortable completing class registers whenever she does relief Playground Assistant at a local primary school.  She is also currently studying anatomy and physiology at the local F.E. College and then plans to learn Indian Head massage, which will allow her to start work as a complementary therapist.

Geraldine Corcoran is another success story. Over a two year period she completed levels 1 & 2 in both English and Maths which gained her admission on the Hairdressing NVQ course at the local college.  She says:

“Completing my Essential Skills at First Steps Women’s Centre has made me more confident in dealing with the public and handling the cash register in my hairdressing placements and also more able to complete the coursework requirements of my current course."

The most outstanding learners will be invited to a special award celebration on Wednesday 28th April 2010.

Anyone interested in attending Improve Your Maths and English classes at First Steps Women’s Centre Dungannon can contact:

Joan McCool Essential Skills Co-ordinator Tel: 028 87727648