Stress the importance of choosing a topic that your students will enjoy. If this is their first research paper, having them select a topic that genuinely interests them makes researching the topic much more enjoyable. Getting enjoyment and learning when creating the first term paper makes approaching future term papers less intimidating.
Have your kids choose their topics. After your kids choose topics, have them narrow down the subject even further. For example, instead of a student writing about the history of England, have the student choose a subject within the scope of the topic such as “English Attire in the 1600s.” Narrowing down the topic gives the children a better opportunity to learn about a specific subject instead of skimming the surface of a broad topic.
Explain the required amount of pages and references needed for the research paper. Before starting any research, explain to the children how to cite a reference. Give each child a handout detailing reference guidelines. Tell the students they must refer to the references guidelines and cite sources correctly. During this time, also explain any formatting requirements, such as margin size. Compile this information in another handout.
Teach your kids the importance of note-taking. Talk about organizing notes and writing the reference at the top of each note. Give the kids an excerpt from a non-fiction book. Tell the kids to read the excerpt and write down information they feel is relevant and would be good for a research paper. Tell them they must properly cite the book at the top of their note pages. After all the kids finish the assignment, go over the information and answer any questions.
Take the kids to the school or public library. Explain how to look up information on the Internet and in books. If possible, have the librarian show your children the basics of using the library, such as how to look up books and how to search for information using academic search engines.
Get your students to organize their notes in chronological order. Tell your students to create an outline for their research papers.
Have each kid write a rough draft of his research paper. Explain that while grammar is important during the rough draft, the most important part of the rough draft is getting the information organized and correct.
Grade the rough drafts. Add helpful notes about phrasing information and proper wording. Check the references. Make notes about improperly cited references. Hand back the rough drafts and tell the kids to look through the notes. Answer any questions the kids have.