What would you do if your child got this assignment?

Question

My daughter is in the 5th grade. Her teacher gave an assignment that consists of a 4 page report on the nervous system, and to make a model to present how the system works to the class. She gave the assignment so they could do it over Thanksgiving Break. I am a teacher, and I feel that this is beyond the level these children are working at. Not to mention, requiring them to do it over their time off. They are 10 years old for crying out loud. How would you handle this situation? By the way, the whole project is only worth 50 points.

The report must be 4 pages of written research.

Many of you have not addressed the issue of when this project is supposed to be done. Over a holiday, no in class time! Many of these children are from divorced families, and often go out of town to visit their other parent. No quality time for the holidays?

Answer 1

That is a complicated assignment for a child of that age. It sounds more like what my seventh grader would be doing. Actually they just got done with an assignment for science where they had to make a model car which ran on balloon power. It's not even a full credit? Ridiculous, you should talk to the principal or vice principal about such a complicated assignment. Plus doing it over a holiday -- where's the holiday fun in that?! Definately take that up with someone in authority, perhaps being in the industry they will listen.

Answer 2

Okay, you did not say this was for extra credit so I agree, assigning it over a holiday is ridiculous. That is two weeks from now though, so maybe she is meaning for them to do it now and the presentations will be done after the holiday.

I also agree the level of this project is way above 5th grade, and since you are a teacher yourself, I have to respect that you would know better than I.

I would speak nicely with the teacher to make sure all these facts are right about what she is expecting. Do not complain or say a word negatively. Find out if its specified in the curriculum for 5th grade or is addressed in one of the textbooks as a project. Find out the exact expectations for when its to be done.

Once you have this information, if you still feel this assignment is not proper then go to the school principal and/or call some of the other parents to get their feelings and go in as a group.

Answer 3

A model of the nervous system and a four page report sounds beyond grade 5.

They are still kids at 10! Let them be kids! They can be challenged without doing a project way beyond them. A project should be completed by the student. Do people honestly think the 10 year old is going to do that model and four pages on their own?

If it is due after Thanksgiving could the children not do it now? I agree that homework should not be given over a break.

Answer 4

It really is pretty complicated to explain how neurons and impulses work on a cellular level... I can remember learning all about the brain in 5th grade but didn't really get into the molecular details until high school/ college. I can't imagine the project needing to go that in-depth. But on the other hand, I don't know what they've been learning, so I'm only going by experience. Well, at least she gave the assignment early so that you have plenty of time to do it. Thanksgiving isn't for another couple weeks.

Answer 5

I guess I would help her with this assignment by seeking out the simplest examples you can find. As an educator also, I feel this is beyond the average 10 year olds understanding. However we need to support the teacher in her/his efforts to teach about the nervous system. I would however tell your daughter that if her grade on this project isnt up to her usual standards that you understand and wont be upset with her cause this is a hard one.
go to www.nervous system.com and click on nervous system for kids .

Answer 6

It will be a fantastic, although minimally difficult, lesson for her. Start by telling her life isn't always fair, easy, etc. Elaborate that assignments are not always what we think they might be. Then use the time to teach her how to do what she might have thought was impossible.

Thanksgiving weekend....Hmmmm....that's about 18 days. You can bet the other kids don't have a teacher to help them out. Get busy setting up your graphic organizer. She'll only have to write one brief paragraph on the various parts of the nervous system.....18 days, a paragraph every day or two and she's done. Doesn't seem like too much work to me, mom!

The artsy part seems like a nice rainy day activity between now and Turkey Day. By the way, I think the teacher did you a favor. It sounds like she'll be occupied when you want some time to plan dinner.

Answer 7

Don't show your daughter your frustration or your opinion that this project is "beyond the level these children are working at". As a teacher you know that it is very important for us to have support at home to keep our classes running smoothly. Help your daughter with the project, and then arrange a meeting with your childs teacher to discuss what you feel is unreasonable. You may find that your daughter has known about this project for a little while, or that she has resources in her notebook that will make this easier

Answer 8

As a teacher, you should know that there is not much that you can do without raising a big fuss.

No Child Left Behind is to blame. We are pushing kids way too hard to complete work that is above grade level, and in the process many of the fun activities that made elementary and primary school fun have gotten pushed aside (the death of recess for one).

I too am a teacher, and we are required to push harder and harder. Our superintendent preaches "It's the test". He even has buttons he hands out. Makes me question my decision 13 years ago to become a teacher.

Anyway, do the best that you can to help your child with this project, and place the blame where it really belongs, on our government.

Answer 9

i say try to talk to the teacher. because you are a teacher, she should respect your opinions a bit more than others. try to explain that this is a break, and the children should have a break. reming her that these kids are 10! sometimes, teachers (no offense) lose their judgement over the year and forget who they are assigning huge assignments to, because they are overloaded. maybe you could try to change the date of the assignment to when the kids are back in school, becasue i agree that homework/projects over break are foolish. If that doesn't work, try to find an easy way to do the actual project portion of the assignment. also, add pictures and use big font on the page on the actual report. hope this helps!

Answer 10

Hmmmmm. Not an easy one. Firstly, which genre of school is it. Gifted, Alternative, yadayada. Secondly, I see a red flag.....
the parent is also a teacher......ooops...I should hope you are allowing the child the freedom to develop both physiologically, emotionally and academically with much love and encouragement rather than too much criticism or amunition for the child.
Thirdly, to answer a relatively vague question, I shall give you a personal scenario. When I was in University at 35 yrs young, my Fine Arts professor instructed us over and Easter week-end to fill a 200 page sketchbook with VAGUE. You should have seen the reactions on the students faces. Some cried, some laughed, some bombarded the professor with questions, some openly criticised, some came out with creepy and imaginative alibis, others ran home to complain, some tried to pay the professor off, and still there were those who remained silent.
Myself, I was terrorised.......and living alone at the time....forced to decide for myself......spent 2 days whining,crying and complaining. Awoke one day and filled the 200 pages within 2 hours. It just came to me........I began my ESSAY with a definition of VAGUE....a poem about VAGUE....my feelings on VAGUE......I stamped on one page,dropped my cigarette butt on another.....did a lipstick kiss.....dropped ink and so on and so forth. THE MORAL......let it go, encourage the child to research.....keep it simple.....talk to the child about it....record it together....WHAT A BEAUTIFUL ASSIGNMENT.....and 50 pts is a lot.....JUST DO IT and have fun together. Perhaps explain to the teacher and remember be POSITIVE for your child.
By the by, getting back to the scenario. I handed in the sketchbook, the professor smiled and I received an A. She became my mentor for 10 years after that. I learned more than just academia that day and continue thus far. GOOD LUCK.