Bonjour lecteurs! What’s the craziest school project your children had to do? It brings so much pressure on parents, especially mums! They are synonyme of extra work, potential mess, and maybe even a late night or two. But it’ also une bonne opportunité for children to be creative. They teach research skills, time management, independence and so much more. Helping Kids with School Projects does not have to be a pain. It can be l’excuse parfaite for you to spend some great quality time with your little ones.
Getting Started
First, double check that you both understand the task. Read les instructions carefully. See what is expected from them and what format they should hand in.
Do they need to prepare a model, a poster, a written report, a presentation? Knowing the marking criteria is also helpful. Also double-check the deadline so you don’t miss it and they get in trouble.
To make it more manageable, break the big task into smaller chunks. Feeling super organisée? Create a roadmap template on a piece of paper so that you can tick together each step. It will also give the children a great sense of achievement.
Next, schedule time for working on the project, fitting it around homework, clubs, and family time.
Do Your Research Together
Most projects involve some research. So your job is to help your child find information, not just give them the answers.
Start by encouraging them to think about where they could find reliable information. Par exemple, you can make it to your local library. but you can also find a lot of info online.
The teacher might have recommended links, but if not, sites like BBC Bitesize or National Geographic Kids are always a good way to start.
Your child should have learned basic internet safety rules, but you can supervise them if you want. For younger children, you might do the searching together initially. The key is teaching them how to find information themselves.
Doing The Task
Once you’ve got all the info, time to create the school project independently. You are now their best cheerleader and their assistant with all the materials they need.
You might need extra craft supplies and a lot of patience. Remember that at the end of the day, it’s their project, so let them have the lead.
C’est important that they do the work independently. You are merely here to guide them… and clean the mess afterwards!
There have been times when I helped Stanley with his school projects and we had total different visions about it. I would prompt questions to make him think of autres possibilités. But at the end of the day, it’s his project, so I let him do what he feels is best.
Review & Presentation
As the deadline approaches, help your child review their work. Look back at the original project brief together.
Check with them that they have covered everything required and met all the criteria. I would also encourage them to proofread their work before handing it in. It’s a great way to practise editing skills and you don’t want it too look like it was rushed.
If they prepare a presentation, play the game and let them do it in front of you. It will also help their nerves before doing it in front of their class.
Supporting, Not Solving
School projects can be stressful for both children and parents. It’s a balancing act where you need to support them (especially when they are younger) without doing it for them.
Encourage their independence and help them review their work: this is the best way to empower them.
It does not matter if they do not produce the best one of their class. Teachers can work out if it’s been done by a parent. It’s not a competition, so there is no point cheating. I know it’s tempting as you want your kids to turn up with the best school project, but it’s just pointless to do it for them…
In the past, both as a mum and a teacher, I have seen school projects that were not clearly done by the children. And quite frankly, it’s pointless and not fair on those who play the game. I don’t care what others would think of my son’s school project. I would never imagine embellishing it to make Stanley look better. As long as he is proud of his work and he’s learned a lot doing it, that’s all that matters.
How often do you get school projects to complete with your children? Do you enjoy them or find them stressful? Helping Kids with School Projects can be fun and l’excuse parfaite to spend more quality time together.
Collaboration
