Research Tips for Kids
When you have to write a research report or paper for school:
Have fun! Be a detective! Be nosy!
Don’t wait until the last minute to start.
Don’t be scared. (O.K., a little scared, but just a little.)
Pick topics you are in love with or can fall in love with.
Be prepared when you go to the library. (Bring your assignment, pencil and pen, paper, change for the copier and your library card!)
“Wait, why did she say ‘when you go to the library?'”
“I am just going to do my research at home on the computer!”
(Don’t just use the internet. Use books, too!)
Use at least three sources.
Use the encyclopedia, the dictionary, other reference books.
My Charles and Emma bulletin board.
Use non-fiction books, magazines, newspapers, video documentaries.
Don’t use ONLY the Internet, but DO use the Internet–carefully.
Use websites that are reliable. Ask an adult if you’re not sure, but here are some tips:
- Use museum websites.
- Use university websites.
- Use government websites.
DO ask for help. (Ask the librarian, your teacher, a friend, a parent.)
DON’T ask someone else to do your work for you.
Keep asking yourself: What do I know? What do I need to know?
Remember to use different keywords when searching.
Let WAY lead to WAY. (Keep being nosy.)
Use the telephone: to get information, to do interviews.
Use email: to find sources to interview, too.
Do firsthand research. (Bake pioneer muffins; help shear a llama.)
Brag about what you learned!