My nine-year-old freezes up when it comes time to start his monthly project for school. Generally he has to do a 3-5 paragraph book report for his third grade class. A craft project of some sort goes along with the book report. Invariably come Saturday morning with a week to go before it is do we are left arguing with him about starting. Just to get him to write the first sentence, pencil to paper. We brainstorm his report with him, help him come up with the idea for the first sentence, even suggest some wording. But all this time he deflects everything we are trying to do. He's hungry, he's tired,has a headache, can't remember, every excuse in the book. Eventually the whining becomes so annoying we start threatening, no game cube, no tv, sent to room, etc.
How can we make this procedure more automatic. I've taught high school English and am familiar with educational theory, but am stuck when it comes to my own son.
Suggestions?
2007-03-24 05:15:30 · 8 answers · asked by Vlad0401 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Ignore the theory you know - have him complete one whole project on his own and accept the consequences of his choices and support his abilities. Walk away and let him know you will be around to bounce an idea off but he knows the routine and can complete this on his own. For the next one, when he brings it home get a large calendar and map out when to read, start to write, the craft part and let him dictate when he wants to do it - make to put on the calendar all of his other activities....take it from a 3rd grade teacher who gives similar assignments....HE CAN DO IT!!
Good Luck!
2007-03-24 05:27:04 · answer #1 · answered by lilmommo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, make sure he has a quiet and inviting place to do his homework. No interruptions from other siblings, the cat, the dog, or anyone/else.
Second, the day he is assigned his project, sit down with him and find out what it's all about. Tell him how exciting it sounds and get him pepped up to get started. Casually start brainstorming while cooking/eating dinner. Let him know you have some new ideas on how to get it done without being so overwhelming.
The next day when he gets home, give him about 30 minutes to unwind and have a snack. (use a timer) Take him in the designated homework area and get started. Do a little bit at a time each day(about 30 minutes, again use a timer) until it's done instead of waiting until the weekend before it's due. When he comes up with an idea, praise him and let him know good job. On the weekends, if necessary, have him work on his project for about 45 min - 1(timer) hr with a 5-7 min(timer) break midway to stretch and rejuvenate his mind. Maybe a glass of juice and a handful of pretzels. Then refocus and back to work for the remainder. The project will be done in no time.
If you notice him getting unfocused or aggrivated, stop reassure him it's ok and you'll get through it. Remind him how smart and talented he is. Encouragement and praise are key in these types of situations.
When you use the timer, make sure it's not visible or audible in the same area you are working but you will be able to hear it when it sounds off.
2007-03-24 05:43:47 · answer #2 · answered by eehco 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most children make excuses when they see people around them making excuses all the time,they evently learn from them,or it may be u r forcing him a lot.When he doesn't want to do,leave him don't help,just ignore about the fact that u r least bothered about his project once he comes to know he has not completed the project he will surely come up to u to ask for help,then u make him understand that for this reason only u make sure that he completes or starts his project work early a week before.Observe him if again in the next month he doesn't show any response to u words this time don't help him at all,automatically he will learn a lesson.When he goes to school and finds that other students have completed the project and he is only one who has not done it he will feel bad about it and feel sorry for it.After that just make him understand that u help him b'coz u love him and care about him and u do not want him to get into any trouble,them promise him if he completes his project work on time u will get him a gift or put money in his piggyback.I hope this works
2007-03-24 05:39:20 · answer #3 · answered by cute 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, most kids do school projects at the last minute. Trust me, that's how I am and most of my friends. Though, it's not the best thing to do, it could be the most productive. Don't ask me why, I don't know. But if you really want him to start it, order him to start. Put him in a quiet room, sit him down, tell him to start it and tell him he's not getting out of the room until he finishes a part of it. If he whines, then ignore him and walk out of the room. Or you could stay in the room and make sure he's actually doing something. Although I wouldn't because when my mom does that, it makes me stop doing whatever I'm doing and start getting annoyed.
2007-03-24 08:32:11 · answer #4 · answered by zzz_snoozer_zzz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has he had a good assessment? Sometimes if a child resists, it means the task is especially difficult for some reason. How about his reading skills? Writing skills? Is the problem only in writing? Or does he procastinate on all expectation ? What about science, math etc.
After a good eval, you can rule out any complicating factors such as learning difficulties.
If all is good on eval then consider whether or not he has a creative bone in his body. Sometimes kids who are great at facts, math science HATE writing, especially boys.... If so then it is a matter of learning to do it even if you dont like it, even if it is not the best area for you, even if you dont want to.
2007-03-24 05:26:28 · answer #5 · answered by Elizabeth C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I'm in 8Th grade and we have to do book reports too. The only way I can make it fun is to do it in steps like write the paragraphs (boring) ,then do the board (fun and easy) then let him have fun with the board. Go to a craft store like JoAnnes and let him pick out some new things(markers/crayons, paper, stickers, glue, paint, glitter) so maybe he will want to make his board . That's the only way I can make it fun. It's like putting on new clothes, you want to put them on and wear then right after you buy them. So hopefully he will want to write the paragraphs and do his craft project.
2007-03-24 05:59:13 · answer #6 · answered by Brielle aka Ellecy! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe he needs to see some sample book reports. There is a "Time for kids" writing handbook I got from Barnes and Nobles that has a sample.
2007-03-24 06:24:06 · answer #7 · answered by Teacher 2-4 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's scared of failing
He's uncertain if what he will do will be good enough
He's in awe of the task and sees it as a big thing
It needs to be divided up in to doable steps
He needs to find the task fun nt a tsk
He seems overwhelmed
2007-03-24 06:42:32 · answer #8 · answered by ~*tigger*~ ** 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋