RESEARCH FOR KIDS! IT’S FUN, NOT A PAIN! By Linda M. Penn First of all – We can’t believe
everything we read on the Internet! Surprise, surprise! As your
children grow and mature in their research skills, please help them by
reminding them of this fact. Researching may require more intense research just to make sure your presumed “facts” are indeed supportable.
1) The source for your information needs to be credible – up-to-date, in-depth information from trusted experts.
2) If the website asks for any personal information, GO TO ANOTHER SITE!
3) Narrow your search. Example: My search for George Washington showed TEN PAGESof WEBSITES, but my search for George Washington at Valley Forge only showed TEN WEBSITES. Research skills are begun in the primary grades with exposure to lots of non-fiction picture books. These kinds of books are almost 100% sure to be an enjoyment to kids. Around the third grade is where the
more advanced research skills are begun to be taught. Some kiddos feel
overwhelmed with: taking notes, weeding out the junk websites, finding
what’s the most important info, keywords, copyrights, citations, sharing
the info by oral or written presentation, report, letters, etc. NOT
FUN? My advice is to allow the students to take time to develop research skills
before expecting them to go to a computer on their own and develop an
intense research project. This will give the kids confidence in their
search techniques and it becomes fun! AWAY GOES THE FEAR OF
RESEARCHING! For more help, search “research skills for children” and lots of websites are shown. COME BACK THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER: “REMEDY FOR LOW SELF-ESTEEM” BE SAFE! BE CURIOUS! BE COURTEOUS!
Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved Linda M. Penn |