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6 Ways Mom, Dad Can Coach, Cheerlead
by:Madeline Binder
According to a recent
Canadian study by the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair, children who are
coached by their parents perform better at science
fairs, receive higher marks for their projects, enjoy the judging and awards
ceremony more, and go on to compete at subsequent science fairs.
“Science fairs do not have to be a dreaded, compulsory
school activity but can actually be an enjoyable experience,” says educator
and counselor Madeline Binder. “Also, it is in the practice of science
that children learn to approach challenges in a systematic way This is what
the event is really all
about.”
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Here are some tips to guide children
through the process:
| 1. |
Begin with a supportive attitude—Love in your
heart, a spirit of fun, a smile from within, belief in your child's greatness.
There isn't another creature on the planet that is like your child. Tell
your child... You are fun. I love you. I'm happy you're in my life! |
| 2. |
Help them discover their own interests. Choosing
a project can be a stumbling block. Ask questions, especially any question
that starts with the word "what." That word triggers the brain
to tap into its unconscious and come up with a great answer. |
| |
- What subject interests you the most?
- What do you enjoy learning about?
- What thought first popped into your mind when I asked
you that question?
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| 3. |
Encourage them to focus. Children need
to make an appointment to discuss projects with their new science teacher
during the first few weeks of school. An excellent science fair
project takes two to three months to complete. Guiding your children
through the step-by-step process helps them stay on track and not get overwhelmed,
especially middle grade students. |
| 4. |
Be an enthusiastic, interested listener— even
when your child practices his / her presentation for the 100th time! Judges
are looking for the student to be familiar with the project and
present the information in a conversational style, not to memorize a speech
or read from note cards. |
| 5. |
Remind your child that the human brain is like
a computer and digital camera. Therefore, it is not necessary
for them to memorize their presentation. They have lived it with every
step that they took. |
| 6. |
Provide logistical support—Transportation
to and from the science fair is your job (sound familiar?). Help your child
set up the display board and arrange other materials that will be on the
table.
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Binder asks parents to consider the words of Sergeant Shriver,
father of NBC anchorwoman Maria Shriver. When asked what he believed was the
most important attribute of being a parent, he responded, "To be my children's
cheerleader. They will get beaten up by others, told that they are not good
enough or cannot achieve their dreams. I'm here to tell them that all
things are possible with focus, hard work and faith."
Binder says that whether or not children
win recognition or go on to compete at a state or national levels is
not the focus. “What’s important
is that they believe in their greatness by experiencing small successes
along their journey.” Science Fair Projects can be fun and rewarding for all!
Other articles you may find interesting:
Teach
Your Children - Without Them Knowing They Are Learning!
10
Reasons To Read To Your Child
Back
to School, Ways To Help Your Student
Madeline Binder has master’s degrees in both Education
and Human
Service Counseling. Read her biography.
*The articles published on this site undergo our review process.
We found the information in this article to be very useful and informative. |
