Begin as soon as the project is assigned. Help your child avoid procrastination by facing the project head on. Suggest your child sit down with pen and paper to brainstorm ideas about his project. Explain that while the enormity of a school project might feel overwhelming, it can be a fun and informative experience if he starts right away and breaks the task into small, manageable steps.
Decide with your child how much time he’ll need to finish the project, and help him schedule his time accordingly. Depending on the project requirements and deadline, your child might need to work on it one hour a night for a week, or every Saturday afternoon for a month. Schedule the completion date at least one week (if possible) before the actual due date, so you and your child have time to review the project and make any last minute changes if necessary. Post the schedule in a prominent your location so your child will review it often.
Assist your your child with gathering the materials for his project. Whether he has to go the store, or he can complete his assignment with items around the house, help him create a list of what he’ll need and check off each item as he goes along.
Encourage your child to formulate a step by step procedure before beginning his project. Discuss the importance of having a plan, and how each step builds upon the one before it.
Make it clear that this is your child’s assignment, not your own. Insist that he solve his problems independently; don’t step in unless its absolutely necessary.
Complement your child often on his progress. If he’s stumped, congratulate him on his determination to seek solutions and complete his task. Boost your child’s confidence by demonstrating faith in his ability.