At our elementary school, the 2nd grade classes do a bird project. They choose a bird, make a model and do a power point presentation. Two years ago, my daughter did this project, so I have some experience. She chose a peacock for her bird project. She spent about 2 weeks and $100 on the project (Model Magic and 18 inch peacock feathers are expensive). Since it was so expensive, I wanted to make sure it was a piece of art, especially since it would be our big "art" purchase for our family room. Taylor is a perfectionist and she did let me help a tiny bit (I touched up some paint and helped glue on the feathers). It was (and still is) beautiful!
This year it was Myles turn. He chose a blue jay and he planned it all out. He drew a picture of how he wanted it to look. Then he made a list of items we needed to purchase. Let me start by saying, Myles is not a perfectionist. He always does a good job, but he likes to get things done fast and move on. When we went to the store, it was a battle. Every suggestion I made was turned down. He knew what he wanted to do and I wasn't going to change his mind. So, I took a deep breath and purchased the items he wanted to use.
The next day after school, he began molding his bird. I tried to help but he told me he wanted to do it. After working on it for awhile he did take my advice on the shape. He did let me help him with a few suggestions, but re molded anything I used to show him. The next day he painted and I tried to touch up a few of the edges. He looked at me as I dipped the paint brush into the paint and said, "Mom, it's my project, not yours, I want to do it myself." So, I finally backed off. I had to go do something else because it was too tempting!
When he finished painting we discussed the presentation. I thought I understood where he wanted me to glue (hot glue gun) everything, but I was wrong. He looked at where I placed everything, got upset and started that part over again. Finally, after everything was done to his satisfaction, he went to bed.
Shortly after he fell asleep, I got the paints out and touched up just a few spots. I couldn't resist! All I really did was put on a second coat! He had already painted it and I knew if I changed one thing, he would know. This was his project and besides his mom pestering him, he enjoyed the fact that he did it by himself. And I think his is fantastic and I love the extra touch with the nest, baby birds (we purchased) and the worm (he made). Now we have two beautiful works of art for our family room.
I think I learned my lesson after watching him show off his bird. This was his project, done his way and by himself! He was proud of his bird and so am I! Just check out his beaming face!
This was taken on my mobile phone!
Have you learned to back off yet or do you still struggle with trying to help "too much" with their projects?
Cammie Moise