My kindergartener has her first science fair coming up! She picked the subject, and now I'm not sure how involved I should be.
She can read and write, but she cannot use a photo copy machine, use research materials, or search the internet.
Her subject is Birds of Wetlands. No essay is required but she needs to make a board (one of those 3 fold things).
I don't know how much work I should do, and what I should leave up to her. Obviously, I want the project to be fun for HER, but I don't think she could put something together unassisted.
What kind of limits are appropriate?
Are you comfortable with her teacher? I would ask her teacher this question if you can, that way you can know exactly what is expected. If the project was assigned to a kindergarten class I would think that the teacher would have age appropriate expectations as to the work that goes into it. Not everyone has parents who help them with their projects, so the assignment should be something the kids are able to do on their own. Does that make any sense? I will ask my mother (who is a kindergarten teacher) for you too. In the meantime I would encourage her to do as much as she can on her own, but still hold her hand through the process. Take her to the library and have her talk to the librarian to get a few books on the subject at her reading level. Let her figure out her own ideas of how she wants to put it together. You could make photocopies for her, or even do busywork (cutting and pasteing things where she tells you to while she is doing something else type of work), but let her be the brains of the operation. Congrats on y'alls first science fair! That's exciting!
I live with a fifth grade boy who just had a science fair project. I gave him the idea for the project and he sort of did it... not really. He came up with kind of whack results but he had fun. I think it's fine for you to help, as long as you're not doing it. One year my mom made my sister let me turn in her project from the previous year. I regret it now, because it would have been fun to do on my own.
Are there any wetlands you can go and visit to "birdwatch?" I think it'd be really fun for her to be able to actually see some of the birds and the pictures could be included on the board...
I think as a parent you'll need to provide the materials and transportation (obviously) and ask her questions that can help design how the board should look and what should be on it (Like "Do you know where the wet lands are?" or "How can we show people where to find the wetlands" to maybe find them on a map or help her decide to put on one the board, or "How many birds are in the wetlands" to help her make a list of the types to put on it etc).
There is a wetland right next to our house, which is why she chose that.
I justt dont want to feel like I'm doing the work for her, but i want to make sure the project is organizated and clear.
It's a school-wide science fair, not jsut for kindergarten.
I'd ask her what she wants to put on the board and see how you can develop that into an organized project (and then ask the questions if you feel she may be leaving something out),s icne she chose it for a reason and may surprise you with her plan. You could possibly design the board together to make sure everything gets on there and is understandable. I remember my parents assisting a ton when I was younger so if you do do a chunk of it I think it's normal at that age. I'd just make sure to let her find the pictures, her word the information, etc more than just letting her glue it onto the board :D
M is doing a report on the California Missions. I am having him get online with me & find info, print it out & read it. Then it is his job to come up with the concept of his report. I will help him to put it all together in the end but I would like for him to do the actual research himself.
He wants to build a model for extra credit and I will suggest what supplies he use and guide him but he will be responsible for planning the actual layout and design.
I am not going to type anything for him, he will have to do it all himself. I already went throu elementary school, it's his turn now!