I would have been a great candidate for Homework Helper. I did not naturally do well in school. Early in the grading period I fell behind on my work. Then I missed days to weeks of recess as I tried to catch up on my work. The best part of the school year was when the grading period ended. All the missed assignments changed to zeros, and I got to go to recess again. Despite my efforts, I fell behind again, and the cycle started over.

This was back in the day when ADHD was just gaining attention as an actual diagnosis. I distinctly remember difficulty staying on task, organizing my things, and disliking activities that required cognitive effort. Basketball changed things for me. I had to be caught up on my work and passing my classes to play. This was the start of staying caught up with my homework.

I did not accomplish this achievement alone. Several individuals helped me overcome the barriers that were holding me back. My 7^th grade teacher taught me how to take notes. I also remember when my grandma visited from across the country. She spent most of the afternoon helping me with my homework. Similarly, a college-educated brother-in-law spent an evening helping me with math homework. I honestly do not know where I would be if it were not for helpers like these.

In college, I always wanted to help people. I took Introduction to Psychology as an undergraduate, and I learned how I wanted to help people. Toward the end of my undergraduate degree, I decided to apply to graduate school. My advisor suggested I consider school psychology programs, and I earned a PhD in school psychology. A large part of my practice is helping people with school-related issues.

Rationale for Homework Helper

Many students come to therapy because they have difficulty doing well in school. I have found that helping patients reduce symptoms such as anxiety or depression can improve school performance. Conversely, helping someone do better in school often reduces emotional difficulties. This is particularly true when the symptoms directly impact school performance. This could include perfectionism causing procrastination, inattentiveness resulting in forgetting to turn in completed assignments, or a lack of confidence leading to less effort.

When I meet with students, it surprises me that organization, time management, and emotional factors are sometimes greater issues for the student than understanding course content. When this happens, I help students develop study habits, improve their time on task, and get past emotional blocks to getting started.

Homework Helper helps students in a unique way. The primary goal of Homework Helper is for individuals to learn the skills necessary to succeed in school. To accomplish this goal, we focus on five areas. First, provide a structured setting for students to work on schoolwork. Second, teach essential study skills. Third, help students overcome hurdles to getting started. Fourth, provide guidance for content-specific questions. Fifth, offer this service at an affordable price.

Homework Helper: Structured setting

It is hard to complete homework in a setting more related to relaxation than work. Finding an alternative location often increases productivity. Our location assists students with work completion. It is free from most distractions and dedicated to helping students get on track. Homework Helper tutors are trained to help students achieve success. For the Spring 2026 semester, we have six undergraduate students who are donating their time for this program.

Homework Helper can also help provide structure in the form of a regular schedule. A student may attend one or two sessions a week, as needed, to work on current or overdue assignments and organize themselves so they get and stay caught up.

Homework Helper: Assistance in developing essential study skills

Although we hope students will enjoy coming and want to use our services repeatedly, it is our goal for students to become increasingly independent. To this end, tutors will teach specific study skills. These skills may include how to keep track of assignments, break larger assignments into smaller chunks, and study for upcoming tests.

To help create lasting habits, we encourage students to use our service for several months to a semester. Students may later choose to schedule booster sessions later at the start of a new school year or semester. These additional sessions may prevent regression across breaks. They may also ensure successful adaptation of skills to new challenges since different classes may require different strategies.

Homework Helper: Overcome hurdles to getting started

One of the largest sources of missed homework assignments is simply not getting started. Students may avoid starting homework for various reasons. Some of these include feeling it’s boring, being overwhelmed, not remembering, or not understanding the directions. As such, Homework Helper tutors can provide assistance in identifying and addressing these issues for each attendee. As students overcome their hurdles to getting started, they will gain greater competence and confidence in overcoming these obstacles independently.

Homework Helper: Guidance with content-specific questions

Content-specific tutoring is not the primary focus of Homework Helper. As such, we may refer students to other services when they need help with specific topics. On the other hand, I personally have helped students with subjects I have never taken myself (e.g., AP Calculus). I did this by focusing on study and organizational skills. In many cases, particularly through most high school courses, tutors will have at least some experience with the course content.

When a student does require content-specific assistance that is beyond our tutors, we will help the student find solutions. Tutors can help the student with ideas such as emailing the teacher or accessing the instructor’s office hours. The tutor will also help the student prepare to meet with the instructor. This may include making a list of questions and what the student has already tried to find the answers. Another potential solution is referring the student to a content-specific tutoring service.  

Homework Helper: Affordable price

Another consideration in starting Homework Helper is to offer our service at a price that is affordable for students. We strive to keep costs low by using volunteer staff. The fee will cover the supplies and rent of the office space. We believe Homework Helper will provide added benefits to our patients as well as the larger public.

Conclusion

LBHC is very excited to start Homework Helper as a service to the community. We hope students who use our service will greatly benefit. We also hope that the feedback from the initial months of service will guide us as we shape this program for the future.

Schedule your appointment today!

Post written by Dr. Gordon D. Lamb, Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Director

Please note posts are educational in nature and are not intended to replace psychological services when needed.