How to Help Your Children Research for School Projects

When helping my children with researching for school projects, I try to these tips in mind:

• Refine what data to research will save time on the actual research.

• Don't just settle for whatever Google brings back as searched results; explore library databases and other online services whose results don't show up easily through Google searches.

• Not all blogs and websites are created equal; make sure only to use accurate and authoritative data.

• Keep a notepad or text page open to record links and notes as needed.

• Avoid downloading or printing random (unrelated to current researched project) stuff as you find them for later use.

• Be selective, there are quality data and materials out there. 

• Keep track of your kids' research progress; watch out for them simultaneously surfing on "fun" websites such as games, chats, etc., while "searching online".

• Make sure your virus protection software is updated frequently.

• Don't forget to log off online accounts when you're finished using any registered websites and not just closing the windows down.

• Don't do your children school projects for them.

My favorite books that help with improving student research skills (mine too) are these two books:

• Research & Writing Skills Success in 20 Minutes a Day by Learning Express Editors. Their chapter on helping you learn how to narrow your topic is excellent and easy to understand.
• The Curious Researcher (6th Edition) by Bruce Ballinger. This is written toward more adult writers but I love the writing exercises. They're fun and innovative. Another plus for this book is how the author teaches the readers over and over again how even the most mundane and ordinary subject can be turned into a great research paper.