Plan the purpose of the project. The project should either reinforce something already learned or teach the student a new concept. Be specific about what the student should learn or reinforce.
Combine the project with an unrelated activity or subject. For example, take the student to the zoo and require him to read part of the animal description at each cage.
Provide clear, simple guidelines to the student. For example, tell the student which articles to read and what to look for if the project requires reading a newspaper or magazine.
Make it fun. Incorporate elements into the project that the student finds interesting. For example, use a comic book in the project if the student enjoys superheros.