School projects...ARRRRGH! (high school, history, cost, bachelor's)

[Momma_bear]

Originally Posted by marylee54

We did "back off" and let our daughter do projects on her own, but they were someting a kid could do on their own. The projects assigned my son are literally impossible to do without some sort of parental intervention. How can he even get materials unless we go out shopping and buy them? its not like he has a car and can drive.

We help with the busy work, like the cutting, gluing, etc. I spent part of two days painting a box, because it dries unevenly and required two coats. A real mess to clean up afterwards. He came up with the idea and the planning, which I think is the "learning" part. But what on earth is to be learned with all the cutting, gluing, painting, etc? Why shouldn't I help him with that?

Many years ago I had a term paper (at least you learn something from that), I was diligently working on it but misjudged the time required to type it (back in the days of typewriters, not computers). At midnight I was still desperately trying to finish. My mother said move over, she sat down, and seemed like smoke came out of that thing! I had it all written up neatly, just needed typing, she could follow my final draft.

So, she should have said "if I do it you will never learn, yadda, yadda"? No, she just gave a last-minute hand. She said she usually got paid $2 a page for typing, but I could work it off by housework, etc. That was housework I gladly did!

Sometimes we all need a hand!

Other than driving and buying supplies what did you really NEED to do? I sometimes help my son with the brainless cutting and pasting, but that does not count as the parents "doing" the project. My mother also helped me type some of my high school papers as I went to school before the days of computers/word processing.

However, what was assigned that your son literally could not do on his own?

[reloop]

Originally Posted by marylee54

We did "back off" and let our daughter do projects on her own, but they were someting a kid could do on their own. The projects assigned my son are literally impossible to do without some sort of parental intervention. How can he even get materials unless we go out shopping and buy them? its not like he has a car and can drive.

We help with the busy work, like the cutting, gluing, etc. I spent part of two days painting a box, because it dries unevenly and required two coats. A real mess to clean up afterwards. He came up with the idea and the planning, which I think is the "learning" part. But what on earth is to be learned with all the cutting, gluing, painting, etc? Why shouldn't I help him with that?

I can see helping him out, but is there any particular reason that he's unable to cut things out, glue and paint them?

I'd much rather see them do a book report in 6th grade. I think there's not nearly enough of those now in middle school. I can see why kids don't seem to have a grasp on writing and spelling. What does his teacher have to say about that (if you asked him or her why)? Are they required by curriculum to have X amount of projects done in a year?

Nonetheless, I'd let him do as much as is physically possible - including cleanup (maybe even especially).

[SuzyQ123]

My dd is in 5th grade and I no longer help her with all of the projects she does. I'll proof read something for her her give her an idea or something but the real work is all her. When she turned in her first project this year I did send an e mail to her teacher to let her know that my dd will be doing all of her projects with no or very little help from her parents. So if hers didn't turn out as good as the other students the teacher would know why. The teacher e mailed be back saying she can tell when parents help to much. When she talks to the students about how they made the project or some facts about the written part some sudents give her that deer in the head lights look. My dd has to learn responsability and life is tough. Some kid may get an A for what mom did and she may get a B for something she did. It's not fair but that is a life lesson she needs to learn. I will not teach her that she can get something (a grade this time, money later) for nothing. You work hard for your grades or you can fail.

[marylee54]

Originally Posted by reloop

I can see helping him out, but is there any particular reason that he's unable to cut things out, glue and paint them?

I'd much rather see them do a book report in 6th grade. I think there's not nearly enough of those now in middle school. I can see why kids don't seem to have a grasp on writing and spelling. What does his teacher have to say about that (if you asked him or her why)? Are they required by curriculum to have X amount of projects done in a year?

Nonetheless, I'd let him do as much as is physically possible - including cleanup (maybe even especially).

No reason but time. Another poster said how much time it took with so little to show for it. The time spent doing all that busy work just isn't reflected in the final project.

I did nothing more than paint a box 2x, like I said, it took 2 coats and time to dry. Also, some cutting and gluing. He did all the planning, research, etc. He's running into a time crunch, with 3 major tests and other porjects due this week, I can't see him spending all his time cutting up paper, painting, etc.

I just wish teachers would realize how much busy work they;'re sending home. Why can't they do group projects, and mess up their classroom? Its easier to send it home to do, that's why!

[marylee54]

Originally Posted by NCyank

Now you are being ridiculous...I didn't say your 6th grader should drive himself to the store...

Why shouldn't you do it for him? Why should you? Your son has been in plenty of trouble, hitting you, hauled away by the sheriff, on probation and he's only 13!! Why the heck would you be helping him with projects that he should be doing on his own? If he's man enough to throw a punch at you he's man enough to paint his own box and cut out his own pretties.

You wonder what would be learned by making him do it himself? How about - If you treat people like crap not only do you spend a night in jail but they are less motivated to help you when you need it. No, I wouldn't help him, not one bit.

I didn't say you said to drive himself to the store..............this is an example of lack of critical thinking skills the school system provides.

BTW, the desired results of an education do NOT extend to making dioramas, posters, etc. Critical thinking and analytical reading and writing skills are sorely lacking in this society, while our kids are busy cutting up paper pretties.

[FarNorthDallas]

My "favorite" school project (not!) was when my son had to trace his family back to when his ancestors came to America. He was in 2nd grade. Geneology in 2nd grade. He couldn't even read or write yet. I worked a long, long time on that project!

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

My "favorite" school project (not!) was when my son had to trace his family back to when his ancestors came to America. He was in 2nd grade. Geneology in 2nd grade. He couldn't even read or write yet. I worked a long, long time on that project!

What grade did the teacher give you?

[bongo]

November is Native American Heritage Month. Perhaps these projects were to be a reflection of that. Or perhaps a unit on Native American tribes, so that the students will see 30 different tribal set-ups.

I know that in my school the upper grades do these projects at home & then display them in the library for the whole school population to enjoy.

The classroom or library becomes like a museum of hands-on learning. One of the teachers at my school does that with her Egyptian unit. It's pretty amazing to see the displays. Another teacher does it with Native Alaskan tribal group villages. The classroom & hall truly look like a museum.

Try to imagine 30 students constructing a project of that size in a classroom!! Think about how a project that size fills a kitchen table, then multiply that by 30 in a small classroom.

[FarNorthDallas]

Originally Posted by Gerania

What grade did the teacher give you?

hahahaha... I don't remember - I don't really look at my son's grades since he's special ed... but, I'm sure I did Awesome - tracing back 15 generations all the way back to the Mayflower! Ha!

And, all of these things were posted in the hallway I couldn't help but notice mine getting a lot of attention - course, they were probably thinking - Okay, the mom did this one! And I just want to say, Well, duh!

[kaday]

I have two elementary age kids and nothing irritates me more when a project comes home with a statement "Here is a fun project for the whole family". Well we like to chose our own fun projects. Usually they involve a nature hike or apple picking............no glue and glitter required.