Help, my child's doing a school project?

There are few phrases that strike fear in parents more than “Guess what? I’m doing a project…” Working on a school project sounds like a great way to spend time with your child and learn a little along the way, but several hot glue accidents – or wasted poster board later – it can often look like more fun to do it yourself.

There are few phrases that strike fear in parents more than “Guess what? I’m doing a project…”
Working on a school project sounds like a great way to spend time with your child and learn a little along the way, but several hot glue accidents – or wasted posted board later – it can often look like more fun to do it yourself.

There’s the frustration over project planning, when even you can’t understand the instructions. There are the inevitable arguments with your child over the ‘right’ way to do things. Finally, there’s finding that fine line between helping – and taking over.
Before you both suffer from project paralysis, here are a few tips to make working together an enriching – not hair-pulling – experience.

First, talk over the assignment with your child. Have a clear picture of what the teacher wants. If you’re not sure, write a note to your child’s teacher right away to get clarification. Explain to your child the ‘rubric’ used for marking. Children are graded by levels 1, 2, 3 or 4. Four is above average and one is below. Talk about how to improve the project with detail, effort and focus.

Don’t procrastinate. Brainstorm ideas if the topic isn’t pre-assigned. Once you’ve narrowed in on a subject, help your child get started – without telling them what to do. Ask them:

·What do they already know?
·What else do they need to find out?
·Where can they get that information?
·How will they find it?

This is also a good time to help your child get focused. Have them consider:
·Why is this topic important?
·Why is it valuable? What do I hope to explain or prove?
·How can I structure my project?

Now it’s time to start the research. While the internet seems like a logical and easy place to start, children of all ages will need your help to find credible information and to avoid surfing in places they shouldn’t.

Libraries are another great resource and librarians are usually willing and able to help you find what you need quickly.

If the project involves making something – such as the dreaded pioneer cabin in grade four – have your child make a list of everything required, or go to a craft store and wander the aisles as you brainstorm ideas together. Be sure to let them come up with the ideas, no matter how tempting it is to show them an easier way to do it.

It helps if you keep a few supplies around the house, to spare that last minute run to a dollar store for some forgotten item:

• Glue
• Construction paper
• Markers and crayons
• Poster board
• Scissors
• Tape
• String or yarn
• Styrofoam balls
• Molding clay
• Balloons
• Report covers
• Three-hole punch
• Stapler
• Paper…lots and lots of paper
• Empty shoe boxes

Now you’re ready to start work on the project….well, actually, your child is ready; it’s your turn to watch. Although it’s very easy to start by helping and end up taking over, it’s important to remember to let your child do the thinking. Offer your services if they’re confused, struggling to hold something together or searching for a word. Don’t draw a diagram or complete a character sketch for your child to copy.

Finally, praise your child no matter how crooked the labels or how spare the writing. Above all, enjoy the time you’ve spent together.