Do your children willingly participate in homeschool fairs?

[AmyinPA]

We have a history fair in April that I would really like my 4th grade dd to participate in. She loves history and enjoys writing. So I believe with my guidance and encouragement she should be able to put together a decent presentation. However, she says she doesn't want to because she is too scared to present in front of a group of people.

I'm not sure if I should force her to do it as part of our school. I remember having to do my first oral report in fourth grade and I believe that a fourth grader should learn those skills. If she never tries it how will she learn?

Knowing my dd, I think that once she begins the project she'll actually enjoy it. So should I insist that she participate. Last year I let her pass on it, but I can't keep letting her cop out every year

[angela in ohio]

Yes, I think you should. I require many things as part of homeschooling that my dc would not necessarily choose to do on their own (and they always end up enjoying them!)

[Beth in Central TX]

I have not required my boys participate in the history or science fairs sponsored by our homeschool group, but DH and I do encourage them to participate. I never liked doing anything like that in school, but I was forced to do it because we received a grade on it. My boys have always talked about participating in the fairs, but this year, my 6th grader finally stopped talking and actually started working on the project. We purchased all of the materials that he needed and gave guidance when asked. The project was very well done, and completed mostly by him; he even learned how to solder. He built a Beetlebot, a simple robot that avoids obstacles. He is more my introvert, but he had no problem talking about his project. I think once you find that passion, it will come out on its own.

[WTMindy]

is valuable or that they will develop important skills then I would probably force it at least once. My son hates to be in front of people, so I do force him to perform his piano in our co-op talent show. It is good for him to get up in front of people. He is getting much better about it now, so I would probably let him choose now.

[partyof5]

I guess you could say I "require" it because I think it's an important part of our academic experience, but my kids also enjoy it. One that we participate in has optional mini-presentations by each child and I do have my dd prepare for that and expect her to do it. Just another oral presentation opportunity. And, yes, to some extent, I let my kids choose their topics.

Even if it's just a display (no presentation), it's good to have them prepare their information in an interesting way for others. Also, they are likely to get positive feedback from other attendees which they will probably enjoy!

My dh and I are "hosting" a science fair for local homeschoolers later this month and will offer some optional presentation opportunities for interested participants.

[Denise in IN]

It sounds like a good opportunity and something that would benefit your daughter. I would not have a problem requiring it of my child if I felt she was capable and ready for the experience.

I am wondering about the size of the group to which she would be presenting? If it is a large group, and she hasn't done that sort of thing before, you might consider finding a smaller "venue" to present reports to and build her confidence.

We get together with two other families for history activities, and we added reports at our last meeting. My 3rd grade ds wrote a great report (surprised me, since he does not like to write!), but totally balked when it was time to read it! I was so shocked - he is very verbal and outgoing, and this was just with his close friends. It made me realize that I need to start having him do reports and perhaps reciting things we've memorized in front of our family, then perhaps for grandparents, just to build up his confidence.

[abbeyej]

Hm. I'm torn here. I'm not really impressed by or interested in those types of "fairs" much. I mean, I think they're *fine*, but I also just don't *care* about them much or think they're a vital part of anyone's education.

*But* I believe that the ability to stand up and speak in front of others *is* vital. The ability to speak slowly and clearly, to convey a point with appropriate emotion and even to think on one's feet... Yes, those things are vital. A "history fair" presentation might be one way to practice those things. But if your dd particularly doesn't care to do the history fair, you can find other ways to practice.

It may also be that she would be less overwhelmed if her first experiences of public speaking do not require using her own words. That can add layers of intimidation for some kids. Performing poetry she has memorized for family members might be a more realistic first step, if she has never spoken in front of anyone before. Then perhaps reciting a poem or speech at a home school talent show. Or doing a school presentation (or a few) in front of smaller groups (rather than the whole home school organization -- I'm not sure how large yours is)... Taking baby steps...

But I'm ambivalent about the history fair itself. It could be useful. But you can accomplish the same ends through other means, if this one is particularly unappealing.

[Janet in WA]

No. And after many years of BTDT, I don't care for "fairs". Unfortunately, the children whose projects stand out are invariably the product of too much parental "guidance and encouragement". The children who truly do their own work don't stand up too well to that.