What is the possible reason for stupid projects at school?

[golfgal]

No, you shouldn't seek parental approval for class projects. However, I think it could really help for some teachers to send a note home explaining what skills the children will learn from doing certain projects that could look fluff like from an outside observer.

Many of the activities that DS has done in OT, PT, and Speech are so simple that they seem as though he couldn't possibly be getting anything from them. Fortunately, his therapists have always taken the time to briefly explain to me how these activities help him. I'm always amazed and completely supportive.

You (meaning all teachers), might find that you have more parental support if the parents understood what the educational goals of some these seemingly fluff like activities were. Sure, you'd still get some that are PITA, but you would get the support of most.

Oh, and BTW, for those of us with either perfectionist kids or kids with motor/developmental delays, it would be very helpful if you let the parents know how detailed and artistic you expect these projects to be. Sometimes we, as parents (and the kids as well), read too much into what is expected and that adds to the performance anxiety.

Chances are an example of the project was shown to the kids in class so no, she probably doesn't need to send an example home for the parents. Also, as far as educational goals for each project, that is a LOT to ask really. It is already a lot to get done, especially in elementary school, just to get a newsletter home and then to triple the amount of information that 99% of the parents won't read any way is just too much and I don't even teach elementary school. Sorry.

As for venting, yes, vent all you want, it is the WAY that thing are vented that are really offensive. Pretty much all homework here is referred to as 'busy work'. While you may think that, the reality of the situation is that it isn't. For the project poster op I can list of several educational objectives accomplished, time management, computer usage, project planning, writing skills, proofreading, spelling, sentence structure, etc. associated with that project. All of these are very necessary skills. Now, the teacher could have assigned a 3 page typed paper describing all these things about each child and accomplished the same thing but it wouldn't have been as engaging for the child nor will the oral reports given be as interesting for those listening.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Extremely well put! That's exactly what the problem is! A little note to let a parent know why the project is being done, and what is considered adequate, would be helpful. Knowing that they are being graded on content rather than an elaborate presentation might be helpful. On the other hand, if artistic ability will be a major part of the grade, it would be helpful for parents to know that, also.

I'm sure the students are told this information when the projects are assigned.

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

I'm sure the students are told this information when the projects are assigned.

Probably there is some explanation but I wasn't always sure it was a good one. Our school system has 2 big middle school projects that are such a huge joke. I've never met a kid or a parent who ever thought the kid had ever learned a thing from them. One was a "physics" unit where every parent in town was up all night with their kids doing silly things like making popcycle stick bridges that I'm telling you, no one understood physics better . The teachers stepped on them to see if they could stand weight and that was it.

The other was a civil war project that kids's did things like use their older brother or cousin's, had their mom make them a barbie doll civil war dress, or make a play-do bust of harriet tubman (not making this up). The kids who came in with the stuff with things that looked better in the showcase got better grades, so my son's video he made got a B and his friend's harriet tubman bust got an A plus.

It's better for everyone if you just realize that not all teachers are award winners and just grin and bear these silly projects. They make for funny stories later on.

 

[Alex2kMommy]

I encourage anyone who doesn't know why a school project was assigned, to ask the teacher. The teacher should be able to explain how the project will help student learning.

I kept reading through this thread, wondering why no one mentioned talking with the teacher yet. Finally!

DH's mother and my mother had two totally different approaches on this subject. My mother figured that if the teacher assigned it, there must be a good reason, so I needed to do it, and do it to the best of my ability. My MIL's approach was that if DH thought it was stupid, and SHE thought it was stupid, then he didn't have to do it. She argued with the teacher, and I think occasionally with the principal, and won.

Talk with the teacher, and then discuss an alternative project if you disagree with the intent of the current project.

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

I kept reading through this thread, wondering why no one mentioned talking with the teacher yet. Finally!

DH's mother and my mother had two totally different approaches on this subject. My mother figured that if the teacher assigned it, there must be a good reason, so I needed to do it, and do it to the best of my ability. My MIL's approach was that if DH thought it was stupid, and SHE thought it was stupid, then he didn't have to do it. She argued with the teacher, and I think occasionally with the principal, and won.

Talk with the teacher, and then discuss an alternative project if you disagree with the intent of the current project.

I think my approach was even different, I figured if the teacher assigned it, my kids should do it, even if it was stupid, because that's life, and that's how jobs are some times in the real world, and not everything is fair or makes sense all the time, that's just how it is. No big deal.

 

[MELSMICE]

I usually defend teachers but some of these posts bother me. I'm getting the impression that it's NEVER OK for parents to vent.

I don't think it's the actual venting that bothers teachers - I think it's the constant talk about how teachers send home "dumb projects, just busy work, makes no sense" blah, blah, blah. I'm not even a teacher & I get tired of hearing it. There is a reason for these projects!!!

Teachers have a tough job - they are given 20-25 different kids each year (more if you're a middle or high school teacher). They are told to teach all these kids the same things & it's expected that all these students will pass. They need to come up with lessons, projects, tests, etc. that will benefit every child in that class. If a child is not doing well in school a teacher will get questioned as to why.

Believe me, I've done my share of venting about teachers. There are a few my DD's had that I wasn't overly fond of, however, I told my DD's that life isn't always a bowl of cherries & sometimes we have to deal with what we're given. Deal with it, get through it & hope for something better next time around.

That being said, one of my twin DD's has the same Global teacher that my older DD had - YIKES!!!!!! It is an honors class, the teacher expects the absolute best out of the kids, she grades tough, she doesn't put up with any bull & she's not an overly nice person. However, if she's treated with respect & 100% effort is put forth you'll do fine. Believe me, DD is going to have a tough time with this teacher this year - I already know that & I'm prepared for it. Many parents have requested they're kids not get her or that they are removed from her class. I thought about it, but then I thought that this will be a great learning experience for my DD. She is not only going to learn Global this year, she's going to learn about dealing with a really tough teacher.

Also (sorry this is getting long), when older DD had her she brought home a paper that was graded very poorly. DD ranted & raved about how the teacher was "dumb, stupid, doesn't know anything". DH & I looked a the paper, handed it back & said, "you're teacher is absolutely correct; you got the grade you deserved". We sat down with her & rewrote the paper together the way it should have been done, using teacher comments to help her. From that point on DD has gotten A's on essays & papers - what a great lesson she learned.

 

[declansdad]

Extremely well put! That's exactly what the problem is! A little note to let a parent know why the project is being done, and what is considered adequate, would be helpful. Knowing that they are being graded on content rather than an elaborate presentation might be helpful. On the other hand, if artistic ability will be a major part of the grade, it would be helpful for parents to know that, also.

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.

 

[eeyore45]

as far as the notes to parents go... esp in an honors class, it has to be the students responsibilty, and that's why a Rubric is so great... its a defined criteria on what will be graded... (some projects the points are added for correct spelling, some projects the points are needed for the information, and spelling isnt as important...)

A rubric lets the student understand where the teacher pulled the numbers for the grade (8/10 or 40/50) each area graded is represented (10 points for neatness, 10 points for pictures 10 points possible etc etc) Then it gives the student a map of what the teacher's expectation is, as well as when the final grade is put on a project the student can see what was positive, and what needs improvement... plus a note to the parent isnt necessary, the parent can just read the rubric and help the student with the organization... (Johnny the lettering on the project is worth 3 points the content of the story is worth 97 points... etc)

and these days I imagine most teachers are on the internet, so it is easier to touch base via email - communication is so important!!

 

[lovesmurfs]

Didn't read though all of the posts, but I think the fact that your daughter spent so much time on the project shows how important it was to her. It will be something she keeps through middle and high school, I'll bet. It's good she's taking such an interest in it. My DS12 (even now) would have waited until 1/2 hour before bedtime the day before it was due and then thrown a bunch of legos in a box with some stick figures and called it a day.

This will prepare her for the portfolio projects she "gets" to do in college...I'm finishing my BA in an adult learning program and I couldn't believe the amount of time I spent on my introspection portfolio required for my degree.

(as a side note, this will also prepare her for the real world. Life is full of reports and projects, which can appear useless. I've just spent hours and hours on a marketing project at work that I know none of my commissioners will ever read through).

 

[momof2inPA]

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.

Sometimes a shoebox is just a shoebox. After she decorates the shoebox, she can decorate a bag for Halloween (or Fall party, whatever), a hand cut-out for Thanksgiving, a stocking for Christmas, another shoebox for Valentine's Day, and some kind of flower for Spring. All of those will teach time management, color coordination and usage, spelling, maybe typing. Hey, we can call them education project engineers instead of school students.

 

[golfgal]

Sometimes a shoebox is just a shoebox. After she decorates the shoebox, she can decorate a bag for Halloween (or Fall party, whatever), a hand cut-out for Thanksgiving, a stocking for Christmas, another shoebox for Valentine's Day, and some kind of flower for Spring. All of those will teach time management, color coordination and usage, spelling, maybe typing. Hey, we can call them education project engineers instead of school students.

But then you get the nasty notes from the parents that complain that their child didn't get any Valentines in school and how awful you are as a teacher because you didn't make everyone give everyone a Valentine. Occasionally kids get to do things at school that are just fun, too.

 

[Lanshark]

Well, as a teacher, I assign projects to make both the parents and students miserable. If I can frustrate everyone enough it makes my job a lot more fun and exciting. I get to answer a lot more notes and emails on my own time. I'd much rather be doing that than almost anything else in the world. I also get to deal with parents sniping, complaining and badgering me. Nothing makes my day like an unhappy parent. If I am really lucky, the upset parent will talk to all of the other parents and then I get more complaints to keep me busy. It's a real motivating factor for those of us who teach.

If you don't like or understand a project then communicate with the teacher. I'm sure she'll be able to tell you the purpose for all of the stupid things she assigns.

 

[momof2inPA]

But then you get the nasty notes from the parents that complain that their child didn't get any Valentines in school and how awful you are as a teacher because you didn't make everyone give everyone a Valentine. Occasionally kids get to do things at school that are just fun, too.

Are you an older teacher by any chance, because for years the custom is that kids bring Valentines for everyone or no one?

 

[golfgal]

Are you an older teacher by any chance, because for years the custom is that kids bring Valentines for everyone or no one?

No, it was a JOKE. What I am pointing out is that with 160 students I would have 160 DIFFERENT opinions on what is going on in the class. I am sorry you don't like the project you are assigned, oops, I mean your child is assigned, but the other 159 kids LOVE this project. Do you get it yet?

 

[Daxx]

By 4th grade in the gifted class should they really be spending 25 hours cutting and pasting?

Let me start by saying that I'm a teacher.

My DS's teachers have requested, every year, that I put him in the G&T class and, every year, I have refused. In our G&T program, this is the kind of stuff they do, too.

I would rather my son be in school (as opposed to being shipped out to some other school) for the full day, I'd rather he sat through each class and got all the information he needed and not miss things they do/say in class.

That's just me. When he goes on to high school, they're going to look at his entrance exam scores and grades. They're not going to give a hoot if he was in G&T. How do I know? I used to teach at private high schools and know what's looked at when kids come through the doors. And, in this area, it isn't G&T.

 

[momof2inPA]

No, it was a JOKE. What I am pointing out is that with 160 students I would have 160 DIFFERENT opinions on what is going on in the class. I am sorry you don't like the project you are assigned, oops, I mean your child is assigned, but the other 159 kids LOVE this project. Do you get it yet?

Yeah, they're all at home popping the non-alcoholic champagne corks to celebrate their homework. Woohoo, we get to decorate a shoebox, just like last year. Yippee.

 

[MELSMICE]

Yeah, they're all at home popping the non-alcoholic champagne corks to celebrate their homework. Woohoo, we get to decorate a shoebox, just like last year. Yippee.

The whole point is, they're not "just" decorating a shoebox. They are learning time management, how to research, grammar, spelling, sentence structure & if the project is presented in front of the class - oral speaking as well.

For some, maybe homeschooling is the answer, then you don't have to assign your kids any dumb projects to do.

 

[declansdad]

The whole point is, they're not "just" decorating a shoebox. They are learning time management, how to research, grammar, spelling, sentence structure & if the project is presented in front of the class - oral speaking as well.

For some, maybe homeschooling is the answer, then you don't have to assign your kids any dumb projects to do.

You can add that they are being encouraged to develop their creativity to your list. This is something that many people discount because they feel that they are not creative so why waste the time.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I still haven't figured out the "stupid" part of this project. There is so much more to education than being able to recite a textbook. And though as a kid projects for me were tough as I didn't think of myself as very creative nor had the supportive guiding hand of my parents (as in guiding me along, and NOT doing my project for me)--I am thankful for every single project that my teachers were willing to step out of the box to assign.

My BEST project (though I didn't get a good grade b/c I am artistically sloppy)--in 6th grade for English class...for several weeks...our teacher just played and played and played music from the 60s. We discussed the songs....can't recall all these years later what it had to do with English (it was something, but I don't remember that part of it..just the fun stuff). But it was the BEST assignment that any of us students ever had.

The end project was to create something about "What America meant to you" or something like that. I did my best but got a B, but what some of the kids created was most impressive and I didn't for one minute think mom and dad did it for them.

And yes this project involved cutting and pasting if that was the medium of choice.

So long ago, but it was soo much more fun than our regular English textbook.

(FTR at that time, literature had been split out into its own class so this was strictly an English grammar class I guess at that time).

 

[momof2inPA]

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.