What is the possible reason for stupid projects at school?

[Mom21]

I still haven't figured out the "stupid" part of this project.

Honestly, the "stupid" part was just because I was tired and grumpy and wanted to vent and the word stupid came out. I really do hate these projects and that will never change. Didn't like them in school and don't like them now. I know there must be a reason or teachers wouldn't assign them. I am sure the kids learn something, and I in no way was bashing the teachers of the world. I know they work hard, and I would never imagine I could do their job. I am not a kid person.

Just call me a really tired mommy that wanted to relax this weekend and not do a project. A mommy that is sad the summer ended. A mommy that is tired of the homework and trying to find time between school, homework and activites to do something fun. And the year has just begun.

As far as those that keep saying shoebox....I only wish. My dd was told no shoeboxes as they are too small. It was a large box. About a 15 x 15 x 15. Didn't mean to start a firestorm. Just a tired Mommy needing to let off a little steam after a long, long day. But it's over. Said box is now sitting by the door ready to go to school tomorrow.

Now on to Friday and her next project. Teacher already told them it will come home this week. SIGH.

 

[disneyjunkie]

The OP said they have the same project every year. What's the point of that? Decorating a shoebox once in a lifetime should about fulfill the creativity, time management, art skills one would develop from that project. The paper and presenting it to the class I'm fine with. When they have shoebox decorating as a college major, I'll start taking it more seriously.

Maybe each year they focus on different concepts.

A first grade unit on time isn't the same as a 3rd grade unit on time.

If you know you'll have the same project each year, why would it take 20+ hours to get it done?

 

[Planogirl]

I understand the bit about time management and creativity and that sounds good. The only time I have an issue is when little Johnny clearly had lots of help on a project and he gets an 'A' while other kids clearly did it themselves and get a lower grade because it's not as "pretty". There are certainly kids who have a flair for creation and I love seeing their work but there are also parents who step in and do most of the project and that's bothersome.

This is the biggest problem I see with the artsy projects and I don't see how this can be stopped. I don't want to do the work for DS but then again I think it was so unfair when he was younger and did his best and lost points for not being neat enough. He did his best, I witnessed it and it was very frustrating to him.

I do agree that teachers have enough on their plates though and I won't criticize any of them. Not even the stinkers.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Only 3 weeks into the school year and I have had enough. Here is the one dd has now. Take a box and cover with construction paper. Label each side:
Likes
Dislikes
Family and Friends
Hobbies and Interests
Strengths and Weaknesses
All About Me

Cutting and pasting and writing and junk. Now my dd has spent at least 20 hours on this project and will spend at least 5 more in the next 2 days. This is in addition to her homework. Ok I see the side titled All About Me as it is a paper they need to write. That should be the extent of the project in my opinion. By 4th grade in the gifted class should they really be spending 25 hours cutting and pasting? Thing is this is a yearly project from what I understand. I know she did one last year (little different but close). My friends' kids do them in K, 1st, 2nd....... Will she have to do one next year too? I can see her in 12th grade cutting and pasting pictures of her favorite foods on a box

So we are finishing up tomorrow and she tells me they said she has a new project coming home on Friday.

So will they do a project every 3-4 weeks? I can't believe they expect these kids to spend all their weekends on projects and do 1-2 hours of homework a night. I HATE SCHOOL. But of course, I don't tell dd this. I just tell her how important it is that she learn to do these projects and manage her time.

Let me get this straight - it's taken your dd over 20 hours to cover 6 sides of a box with paper and write a few things about herself? And she's in a gifted class? My dd had a similar project in fourth grade and was able to whip it out in one evening with construction paper, a few stickers and stamps, some coloring and handwriting - and it looked nice too. And she's not considered "gifted". I think the project is a pretty simple project. It's also a neat way for your dd to show her creativity. If your dd is overwhelmed by this and taking 20 hours to do it, perhaps there are other things you should be concerned about.

 

[declansdad]

The OP said they have the same project every year. What's the point of that? Decorating a shoebox once in a lifetime should about fulfill the creativity, time management, art skills one would develop from that project. The paper and presenting it to the class I'm fine with. When they have shoebox decorating as a college major, I'll start taking it more seriously.

Creativity and time management is not a one time thing. It needs to be continously developed and practised.

As to why it would be given each year, maybe it is because they are different teachers each year. If part of the project is too help the teacher and the class learn about each other, it makes sense to me that it could be done every year. I mean, we are constantly changing and having new things occur in our lives. I would expect it to be slightly different each year.

 

[I Love Pluto]

Could your DD be a perfectionist? The hours spent on this project are far too many. No one should spend that much time on any one assignment.

 

[Mom21]

Let me get this straight - it's taken your dd over 20 hours to cover 6 sides of a box with paper and write a few things about herself? And she's in a gifted class? My dd had a similar project in fourth grade and was able to whip it out in one evening with construction paper, a few stickers and stamps, some coloring and handwriting - and it looked nice too. And she's not considered "gifted". I think the project is a pretty simple project. It's also a neat way for your dd to show her creativity. If your dd is overwhelmed by this and taking 20 hours to do it, perhaps there are other things you should be concerned about.

You're right. My dd must be an idiot. What have I been thinking all these years. Guess the grades and tests mean nothing. I mean after all she is taking 20 hours to do a project that every other person's perfect child would only take an hour or two to do. And to think that before this I enjoyed your posts. That was just really unnecessary. In fact I am beginning to wonder why I even come to this board. And no it isn't because someone disagrees with me. I am ok with that. It is the nasty way that people feel the need to disagree.

I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever been nasty to anyone here. OK once when i felt attacked and I apologized. I really don't understnad people. I will say that the many that took the time to give me their opinion in a contructive manner, that I have understood and took it under consideration. I was just really grumpy yesterday and tired. That's all. NEVER, EVER have I attacked people or their children. So not cool.

 

[Free4Life11]

Just wait until they start doing science fair. Now THAT is fun I remember when me moved and my mom was floored that all grades (including K!) had to do a science fair project EVERY year. Where we came from, you did a science fair project in 6th grade and that was that.

I didn't mind the history fair because that was actually interesting, but I was so glad to get into high school and never had to do another science fair project!

 

[Saffron]

I heard you OP.

And I'm a teacher.

And I understand.

It is so not cool to comment on your daughter in any negative way. She did nothing to anyone, she just worked long hours on a project. Sometimes we all just need to vent, and I got that when you said the first time around, way back pages ago, that you are a frustrated, tired mommy.



Now, to the other people about sending a note home with lessons and projects, that's a whole different story.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Now, to the other people about sending a note home with lessons and projects, that's a whole different story.

I'm really perplexed by this and other comments that seem to refer to a previous post of mine.

First, it was in response to a very sarcastic post from a teacher in regards to all parents who don't care for projects.

Second, if you really read what I was saying, I said that there was a purpose to even the most seemingly fluff assignments, but that teachers might find more parental support if they explained the purpose behind some of their assignments.

Third, I didn't mean that teachers had to either show parents an example of the project or send a note home with every assignment. However, if the students/parents seem confused about a particular assignment a little clarification/explanation can go a long way.

I have a teaching degree as well. I think sometimes educational institutions hide behind jargon. Schools want more parental involvement, but no questions or helicopter parents. If schools and teachers could explain why they do certain things (explain...not justify) I really do think it would improve parent and community support.

Besides, if a teacher can't explain in a one page note at the beginning of the year what she/he hopes to gain from the major projects of the year and from the daily homework, maybe that teacher needs to rethink the assignments in the first place.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

Mom21, I'm glad your daughter got her project done, I hope she's very pleased with it. I think she may be a bit of a perfectionist, because I was too and it sounds familiar.

DS6 starts first grade tomorrow, after having our first whole summer together! Quite frankly, I'm excited to have him go back to school! I didn't have enough fun activities planned with them, they were probably bored and he and DS2 squabbled a lot, and I'm tired, too. I'm looking forward to having only one at home for the day, and less squabbling! I'll be able to get more done, and have a bit more peace and quiet, heck, maybe even take a nap when DS2 naps!

DS6 has 'homework' already after our teacher orientation, which is to make a poster of what he did this summer. I'm excited about the project, and so is he. I will help him brainstorm what events he could include, what material we could use, and so forth, but like you, this project will be his baby. I have no idea if we'll have a lot of this sort of thing or not, guess we'll wait and see.

I'm sorry your little venting has turned into such a big 'to do', we all bring our own life experiences and opinions in when we read and respond, so what was a minor rant to you clearly hit some hot buttons with others, that's all.

 

[momof2inPA]

As to why it would be given each year, maybe it is because they are different teachers each year. If part of the project is too help the teacher and the class learn about each other, it makes sense to me that it could be done every year. I mean, we are constantly changing and having new things occur in our lives. I would expect it to be slightly different each year.

Maybe she should have brought the box in from last year, or maybe the fourth grade box is bigger than the third, and the fifth is bigger than the fourth. By the time they're finished, they could just decorate their own coffins. Wouldn't that be nice? A big pine box full of pictures and words describing oneself, maybe a bumper sticker or two, all shellacked on a big box?

I'll stand by my position. It's a big waste of time.

 

[Uncle Remus]

Honestly, the "stupid" part was just because I was tired and grumpy and wanted to vent and the word stupid came out. I really do hate these projects and that will never change. Didn't like them in school and don't like them now. I know there must be a reason or teachers wouldn't assign them. I am sure the kids learn something, and I in no way was bashing the teachers of the world. I know they work hard, and I would never imagine I could do their job. I am not a kid person.

Just call me a really tired mommy that wanted to relax this weekend and not do a project. A mommy that is sad the summer ended. A mommy that is tired of the homework and trying to find time between school, homework and activites to do something fun. And the year has just begun.

As far as those that keep saying shoebox....I only wish. My dd was told no shoeboxes as they are too small. It was a large box. About a 15 x 15 x 15. Didn't mean to start a firestorm. Just a tired Mommy needing to let off a little steam after a long, long day. But it's over. Said box is now sitting by the door ready to go to school tomorrow.

Now on to Friday and her next project. Teacher already told them it will come home this week. SIGH.

Please, please don't let the dog eat it!

 

[ChrisnSteph]

You're right. My dd must be an idiot. What have I been thinking all these years. Guess the grades and tests mean nothing. I mean after all she is taking 20 hours to do a project that every other person's perfect child would only take an hour or two to do. And to think that before this I enjoyed your posts. That was just really unnecessary. In fact I am beginning to wonder why I even come to this board. And no it isn't because someone disagrees with me. I am ok with that. It is the nasty way that people feel the need to disagree.

I can honestly say that I don't think I have ever been nasty to anyone here. OK once when i felt attacked and I apologized. I really don't understnad people. I will say that the many that took the time to give me their opinion in a contructive manner, that I have understood and took it under consideration. I was just really grumpy yesterday and tired. That's all. NEVER, EVER have I attacked people or their children. So not cool.

You are right, I did not mean to insult your child and I sincerely apologize. I guess we all have days where we're tired and grumpy.

 

[froglady]

It should be your responsibility as a parent to call and get this information if you want it. Adding even more to the teacher's plate is not fair. Many teachers see over 100 students in the run of a day and asking them to constantly explaining why they are doing something that they are trained to do to every parent is utterly ridiculous.

I'm curious as to how many people would encourage all the people they come in contact with over the course of the day to ask why you are working in a certain manner. Teachers are trained to do what they do, so just maybe they can see what the purpose of a project is where other can't.

No one was asking any teacher to explain every thing they're doing on a day to day basis. They are suggesting that if it's a special project, especially if it involves a parent obtaining special materials or providing assistance, that it might be helpful for a teacher to send a brief outline home stating the general purpose of the project, and what is expected, in an effort to get more parental cooperation, and for the student to get the most out of the project. This outline would be the same for every student assigned the project, be it 10 or 100. I would hope that there is some way for the teacher to make enough copies, and that if he/she repeats the project in following years, the same outline could be used?

Wouldn't that be better than expecting a teacher to take time from her busy day to answer questions from parents? Wouldn't that take more time in the long run than sitting down and making an outline, and running off enough copies to send home?

BTW, I always ask people who are doing something that affects ME to explain why they're doing something, if it's not apparent to me. I also ask anyone who is doing something that affects my child the same thing.



I've been fortunate that all of the elementary/middle school teachers I've encountered so far HAVE handed out sheets explaining special projects. Then there is no question as to what is expected, and how much or little work is expected to complete the assignment, along with a heads-up so the parent can buy or borrow the ingredients if she doesn't have it on hand.

 

[wendyl]

Maybe she should have brought the box in from last year, or maybe the fourth grade box is bigger than the third, and the fifth is bigger than the fourth. By the time they're finished, they could just decorate their own coffins. Wouldn't that be nice? A big pine box full of pictures and words describing oneself, maybe a bumper sticker or two, all shellacked on a big box?

I'll stand by my position. It's a big waste of time.

This project sounds like the PERFECT way for a classroom of new classmates and the teacher to all get to know each other in a way that is MUCH more interesting and thought provoking than the age-old "Now class...I want you to write a 2 page paper introducing yourself to the class. Name your likes, dislikes, friends, etc....Then one at a time you can read your paper to the class."

Think about it---student expression should come in a variety of forms. I PROMISE YOU---if the teacher gave-in to complaints about simple projects of creative self-expression like this one--and decided to go back to the old boring--'write a paper about yourself', she would be covered in outraged parents talking about how she wasn't tapping into the creative potential of the kids, and that the assignment was useless, busy work, and a waste of time, and such a turn off that they fear their child will never want to write again (teachers will know this is unfortunately NOT an exaggeration--these parents exist in pretty much every classroom).

Students should be asked to express themselves in their writing, their speaking through presentations, in group work as a member of a team (perhaps one of the most important, and often overlooked), in creative artistic projects, in dramatic expression (such as reading aloud with expression, or participation in in-class performances or plays), through technology, etc..... I would be more concerned, as a parent, with a teacher that NEVER sent home creative projects like this. I have watched students who struggle with writing a 1 page paper, completely THRIVE with projects like this.

Do you think its possible that the teacher is trying to hit ALL learning styles, and develop ALL methods of self-expression and these projects help accomplish that goal??

What type of assignment would you propose would be a better replacement for this one---aimed at getting to know one another, and getting students to express themselves creatively???

 

[momof2inPA]

Think about it---student expression should come in a variety of forms. I PROMISE YOU---if the teacher gave-in to complaints about simple projects of creative self-expression like this one--and decided to go back to the old boring--'write a paper about yourself', she would be covered in outraged parents talking about how she wasn't tapping into the creative potential of the kids, and that the assignment was useless, busy work, and a waste of time, and such a turn off that they fear their child will never want to write again (teachers will know this is unfortunately NOT an exaggeration--these parents exist in pretty much every classroom).

It's 4th grade G&T. The kids probably all know each other and have been in the same classes since first grade.

If the teacher had fewer crappy projects, the parents would laud her and give her the teacher of the year award. I actually have a friend who was teacher of the year for her school district. I'll ask her what projects she usually assigns.

 

[MushyMushy]

It's 4th grade G&T. The kids probably all know each other and have been in the same classes since first grade.

If the teacher had fewer crappy projects, the parents would laud her and give her the teacher of the year award. I actually have a friend who was teacher of the year for her school district. I'll ask her what projects she usually assigns.

Not in a lot of schools. My DD is hardly ever in the same classes with people she knows and this year is the worst yet -- in the 5th grade!

 

[wendyl]

It's 4th grade G&T. The kids probably all know each other and have been in the same classes since first grade.

If the teacher had fewer crappy projects, the parents would laud her and give her the teacher of the year award. I actually have a friend who was teacher of the year for her school district. I'll ask her what projects she usually assigns.

Oh I PROMISE you there would be just as many parents complaining at a lack of assignments that tapped into the creativity of students as there are complaining about the creative projects. Probably more.

So, what would be your suggestion for a creative self-expression assignment that helps a student introduce him/her (and their current likes, dislikes, etc...)to a class?

 

[famofsix]

Projects are part of the national standards. Usually there is some kind of presentation that goes along with the project...many jobs require good presentation skills. In school and in jobs people have to do things they don't like...that's reality. It is all about how the individual handles the project no matter how silly you may think it is.
That said, I agree that some things can drive families crazy...my daughter's relief map of Cal. was a little crazy and she spent a long time on it.
I went back and read the OP posts and I think I should give you a break, it's okay not to like some of the assignments