When Homework Gets too Much

[Trainer Monkey]

I'd look at it this way. I doubt very much they are expecting most kids to do some sorta thorough indepth analysis and research to whatever the subject matter is...but are likely doing a few things with this project.

Firstly, they are introducing kids to the fact there is a world outside of West Virginia, or w/e a person may live. This is a good start. I remember my first assignment of this sort was on Mexico.

Secondly, I think at this early age they also can get good understanding of a parents commitment to help. Will the parent do all the work? Will the child? Will it be a collective deal?

I know with mine...I had to wrestle the project back from my dad cuz he was more then eager to help as he once went to Mexico and got drunk for a month and still had pictures of it lol

lol on the Mexico thing.
I tend to lean towards "I'll help you,if you need help,but its still got to be your project". Id rather he did a mediocre job,but did it himself,then have daddy do all the work for him,and get a better grade,that really isnt his grade

[Sharla]

It wouldn't suprise me if he already knows how to make full use of google.

I swear i am slow to take up new technology in my home just because i'm too stingy to buy it - only very recently upgraded to the DVD age and still don't have an ipod.

Still MOST people under the age of 40 and many over seem to be MUCH faster than me with taking new stuff up so i imagine google is old news to him and maybe he'll find it easier than you think.

Googling Kenya and food might come up with some distressing pics though so i'd have a plan to give the - "we're very lucky here" talk which might be a bit heavy for an 8 year old I guess.

[Trainer Monkey]

It wouldn't suprise me if he already knows how to make full use of google.

I swear i am slow to take up new technology in my home just because i'm too stingy to buy it - only very recently upgraded to the DVD age and still don't have an ipod.

Still MOST people under the age of 40 and many over seem to be MUCH faster than me with taking new stuff up so i imagine google is old news to him and maybe he'll find it easier than you think.

Googling Kenya and food might come up with some distressing pics though so i'd have a plan to give the - "we're very lucky here" talk which might be a bit heavy for an 8 year old I guess.

Thankfully I got a hit first time out of the box,and have it bookmarked for him