Usually.
Trust me. As a teacher. I know this.
So I am having them do a group project in class.
Do you know how many kids were like, "I'm going to take this home and finish it?" And they come in with work that I KNOW is not theirs.
So below are some truths about kids and projects from a teacher's point of view.
1. Kids are MESSY!
Yup. Messy. Shocker right? Paint gets everywhere. Glitter gets everywhere. They forget how to tidy things up when they are done. It is messy. In class projects (especially big ones) are not for the faint of heart.
2. Kids are selfish.
I told one girl that she couldn't build it at home because then her partners would not get points. She said she wanted it to look good though and wanted her dad to build it. I told her that would give her partners 0/60 points. What did she bring in today? A project that was 95% completed that she did at home. Needless to say, I was a bit aggravated.
3. Kids don't share
Middle schoolers nit pick anyways. Now add glue and paint and tape.... so much arguing.
4. Kid's have to learn to be good stewards
This is something they don't know. They throw away perfectly good materials. I had to teach the kids that if there are parts you are not using that someone else can use, put them back in the pile.
5. Kids have big ideas
This really is not a bad thing. You just gotta keep reminding them there is a due date.
6. Kids are creative
Again. Not a bad thing. This is actually what makes projects so good.
7. Kids love seeing their ideas come together.
Sometimes (most times) things don't go as planned. And when they finish their project, they are just REALLY happy and excited that THEY made that!
8. They will TEST YOUR PATIENCE
Yes. This.
So anyways.
We are making an arcade for their final and it is 200 points and worth like 10% of their grades. They signed a contract and are learning about that.
It's been a process that I think is very important for their growth as good humans.
But I HAVE NO SANITY LEFT.
SEND HELP AND COFFEEEE