Projects - Poster Boards - Venting and Support - Main Message Board - Laughter & Surviving BiPolaritaville - Message Board

0 Kudo

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Projects - Poster Boards

Author

Comment

momofalexa

Projects - Poster Boards

Lead

[-]

Senior

Posts: 7468

(01/15/09 12:14 PM)

Moderator,
Master of
Resources

"Life is a millstone - YOU decide if it's going to grind you down or polish you up."

Alexa has a project due tomorrow for her final in science. It is really simple. She has a poster board that needs to be decorated and facts attached to it using printed materials, etc. I bought her some markers, etc. She has a HORRIBLE TIME trying to do a project of this nature. She finds it terribly confusing.

Does anyone else have this problem with these sorts of projects? She genuinely gets very confused. I have to practically do it myself and will do that tonight if I find she is not even able to start on it without assistance. She does the finals o.k., the actual tests, but anything in a project is like climbing Mt. Everest for her. It's frustrating to watch.

I'll have to insist on helping tonight if it's not at least started. She has researched everything and printed her facts but cannot seem to figure out how to go about getting the information she printed onto the poster board in a creative way. It just seems strange because she is hung-ho about doing it but cannot seem to ACTUALLY DO IT.

Heather
Mom of Alexa, (17 years old) Diagnosed BP-NOS (09/05), updated to BP II w/psychotic features (05/08)
Abilify (10 mg), Lamictal (200 mg), Provigil (100 mg - a.m. and 3 p.m.), Claritin, Klonipin (.5 mg) as needed
Topamax at night only (100 mg) Seroquel at night only (200mg)
Attends alternative high school (Ohio)

moxleymama

[-]

Senior

Posts: 342

(01/15/09 01:29 PM)

Nate is the same way! He is so gung-ho, has me buy everything under the sun to do the project and then nothing. The sound of crickets....

The night before I am usually "helping" him get it done. He usually is ok with my help, but will argue the whole time until I just want to throw up my hands and say "well, you should have done it yourself!".

Susan

Mom to :
Nathan (12); BiPolar I mixed without psychosis, ADHD, PDD-NOS (Concerta 36 mg am, Clonidine .05 mg am, noon & 0.2 mg bedtime, & Abilify 5 mg at 6 pm)

Hannah (7); healthy and happy (unless you count the HSM addiction)

Elainekh

[-]

Senior

Posts: 2230

(01/15/09 01:49 PM)

Global
Moderator

DS is the same. Can only handle a certain type or amount of things to do. Even now with his photo projects at the local college, dh has been helping. And so much of it for ds is the timing element. He just thinks everything can be done in about 10 minutes, no matter what the project is!!

Elaine, Mom to DS, 18, seroquel 100mg at night

momofalexa

[-]

Senior

Posts: 7469

(01/15/09 02:09 PM)

Moderator,
Master of
Resources

"Life is a millstone - YOU decide if it's going to grind you down or polish you up."

Thanks, ladies. That makes me feel better. She sits and stares at the poster board and then does not do anything. Last time we did one she got so angry with me...not sure why...but I had to literally point to where to paste everything on the board as she isn't able to visualize things for some reason. Sigh.

Heather
Mom of Alexa, (17 years old) Diagnosed BP-NOS (09/05), updated to BP II w/psychotic features (05/08)
Abilify (10 mg), Lamictal (200 mg), Provigil (100 mg - a.m. and 3 p.m.), Claritin, Klonipin (.5 mg) as needed
Topamax at night only (100 mg) Seroquel at night only (200mg)
Attends alternative high school (Ohio)

anonymousmom

[-]

Senior

Posts: 1345

(01/15/09 03:47 PM)

Senior

Rob is the same way. Sometimes we could get around it if I started him off in one specific area. Rarely he could take it from there though. He says he has no imagination for stuff like that. Usually he would skip doing a project like that. Sad, but true.

Connie
Mom to Rob 18yo, ADHD, BP, OCD, ODD Refuses meds
Mom to Brad 26 yo, practically perfect in every way

Julie

[-]

Sophomore

Posts: 111

(01/15/09 06:27 PM)

I have to confess that I absolutely DREAD doing projects like that. It's my worst nightmare when one of the kids comes home with any type of project requiring creativity. My 11 year old son has his science fair project display board due in a few weeks and I'm passing that one off to dh on the grounds that I just don't understand electricity and generators well enough to help him do his display board.

One thing that I do find that makes it easier to do poster boards is to print everything out and paste it onto various colored backgrounds. Then I can move the information around on the poster board before actually attaching it. Then I can see how it will look first.

Julie
mom to dd14, BpII, adhd; lithobid (1200mg), topamax (100mg), klonopin (1m), geodon (80mg), focalin XR (30mg), and synthroid
dd 12, BpI with psychosis; lithobid (1200mg), lamictal (400mg), risperdal (4.5mg), zyprexa (7.5mg), topamax (250mg), cogentin (2mg), and synthroid
ds11
ds8

aggierules

[-]

Sophomore

Posts: 154

(01/15/09 09:43 PM)

Heather - There are some really cool project idea books at teacher stores. I bought one just for posters - tons of ideas for layouts and etc. Marissa loves to look at one, get an idea, then she can get to work.

Angela
dd Marissa,13, depression/mood disorder Luvox, Risperdal

Anita

[-]

Senior

Posts: 3829

(01/15/09 09:59 PM)

Charter
Member

I did more than my share of homework helping. I figured that she had to pass school tests on her own and if I did not help on homework it would not have gotten done.

Anita, mom to Kat,24, BP, living with us,mother to a 3 yr old and 2 yr old,on topomax 300mg, cymbalta200mg

bgb67

[-]

Freshman

Posts: 10

(01/15/09 10:07 PM)

"You have given us a precious soul to whom everything is new."

That's so funny that you posted about the project. I (yes, I said I) just finished a project involving poster board and 3! reports on "Music Island." Every time dd comes home with another project, I look to the sky and silently thank her teacher for taking me back to 5th grade again and assigning ME another project.

I too buy every material under the sun and know that the folks at Walgreens see $$$ when they watch us walk through the doors. In my opinion, the thought process that goes into the organization of any type of large project is difficult and when my dd tries to organize those thoughts inside before attacking the project, she just shuts down - draws a blank. I think that the same can be said for all ages.

Does it help at all if she makes a list? Just a simple list. We use our white board alot so as to be able to make any changes, and then she can follow the steps and check them off. It may sound pretty silly, and maybe a little too simple - but it has helped to eliminate that "blank stare" you mentioned.

Good luck!

Beth (Meg's mom) BP NOS, ADHD, OCD

Lvnmomofbpkid

[-]

Junior

Posts: 137

(01/16/09 02:58 AM)

Well with Poster boards we are the same, however if its even beyond that with Dyorama's (sp?)... forget it for this mom. I am in no way, shape or form crafty! LOL. I send him to one of my friends and she has always done them with him since the very first one he had in like 1st or 2nd grade LOL (well except for the one he did when we were in TN and that took forever lol!)

So throw me on the "buy everything under the sun and then do it for them" bandwagon. Because between me or my friend that is what happens here to!

Nicole - Sometimes ... Sleepless in Seattle
Dale age 14 - Diagnosed Bipolar w/schizophrenic tendencies & ADHD 2/2006 (after 8 long years of searching for a diagnosis) Meds: Abilify 15mg at night, Lexapro 10 mg at night
William age 11 - Healthy

momofalexa

[-]

Senior

Posts: 7474

(01/16/09 09:00 AM)

Moderator,
Master of
Resources

"Life is a millstone - YOU decide if it's going to grind you down or polish you up."

I personally love the poster boards. I find it so simple that it frustrates me when she cannot or won't even paste anything on the dang board. LOL. Today is no school due to extremely low wind chills. Last night (I AM SO PROUD!) she cut out the facts and pasted them onto the colored papers just like I suggested (woo hoo!) So, tonight I will help her apply them to the actual board.

Angela, I should check out Holcomb's and see if they have an idea book. That's a great idea...maybe it would inspire her.

I do think she has a tough time figuring out (I know this sounds like I am talking about a 5 year old) that when she turns the pieces over to glue them she cannot figure out what it will look like when it gets flipped back over. She finds that confusing. I'm serious. At first I thought it was a ploy but now I think maybe she really doesn't understand. Ack!

I love posterboards but I just feel like at least she cut stuff out and now I can help her...instead of doing it all myself because I don't want to "enable" her too much, if you know what I mean!!

Thanks all for your suggestions and positive comments!

Heather
Mom of Alexa, (17 years old) Diagnosed BP-NOS (09/05), updated to BP II w/psychotic features (05/08)
Abilify (10 mg), Lamictal (200 mg), Provigil (100 mg - a.m. and 3 p.m.), Claritin, Klonipin (.5 mg) as needed
Topamax at night only (100 mg) Seroquel at night only (200mg)
Attends alternative high school (Ohio)

Lvnmomofbpkid

[-]

Junior

Posts: 144

(01/16/09 11:33 AM)

Yes cutting out is a great step at 5 or 17 with our kids. I'm just happy when my DS actually sits there and engages the activity with me. Then atleast there's a hope he puts his two cents in and two learns something from it.

Nicole - Sometimes ... Sleepless in Seattle
Dale age 14 - Diagnosed Bipolar w/schizophrenic tendencies & ADHD 2/2006 (after 8 long years of searching for a diagnosis) Meds: Abilify 15mg at night, Lexapro 10 mg at night
William age 11 - Healthy

terrileew

[-]

Senior

Posts: 2894

(01/16/09 05:49 PM)

Assistant
Administrator

This reminds me why I give presenting with a poster as a OPTION when I assign a project. Some kids thrive on it, and others just cannot. But they can write a paper, make a PowerPoint presentation or . . .

I think this comes under the executive function problems heading. My daughter has trouble organizing a paper and getting it written. Usually. If I understand it correctly, the problem is mostly in breaking down a project into smaller tasks. I was about to say what someone said about making the information as concise as possible, making the font large, and printing it out to put onto the poster. The problem with the actual gluing is not one I would have expected. But I'm guessing you can help with that.

I don't miss projects, but at least she will let you help! My dd never would.

Terri
dd is 22

jalmil

[-]

Senior

Posts: 1655

(01/17/09 09:42 AM)

Senior

Lynn
shiver
Mom to :
Jordon 18- BP II-
Abilify in morning 15mg., Depakote1250mg at night, 300 mg Gabapentin at night,5mg melatonin at bedtime, Imetrex till runs out then Maxalt 10 -as needed for migraines

Alex 16 - Dyslexic and learning to drive slap

Step Mom to :

Tasha 21 -healthy

Rob(Bubba) - 18 asperger syndrome - stopped taking meds.

JoAnnSW

[-]

Senior

Posts: 4820

(01/17/09 10:54 AM)

Moderator

Just reading these posts triggers my PTSD (just kidding)

and all those HORRIBLE memories.

JoAnn, daughter 21 dysphoric bipolar disorder and insulin dependent diabetes, currently contolled with Lamictal, 400mgs, Lithium 450mgs, Seroquel 500mgs, Klonipin 1mg and two types of Insulin

justlovehim

[-]

Senior

Posts: 2298

(01/17/09 04:36 PM)

Senior

"For I know the plans I have for you ... plans for a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

We are the opposite. Matt is utterly gifted in art and thrives when he is assigned a project as you described!! And gets perfect marks!! Forget anything else though... LOL .... those tests and power point presentations are bombs.

Chris

DS-Matt,17 (we made it!)

Depression, dx May 2008, ADHD, dx age 9
Court ordered to take Prozac 40mg, Strattera 40mg, Trazodone 50mg
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4

moxleymama

[-]

Senior

Posts: 360

(01/18/09 09:00 AM)

What was the end result? Did it get turned in on time?

Susan

Mom to :
Nathan (12); BiPolar I mixed without psychosis, ADHD, PDD-NOS (Concerta 36 mg am, Clonidine .05 mg am, noon & 0.2 mg bedtime, & Abilify 5 mg at 6 pm)

Hannah (7); healthy and happy (unless you count the HSM addiction)

momofalexa

[-]

Senior

Posts: 7494

(01/18/09 02:33 PM)

Moderator,
Master of
Resources

"Life is a millstone - YOU decide if it's going to grind you down or polish you up."

Susan, school was closed on Friday due to extremely low wind chill temperatures. Tomorrow is a holiday. So, it hasn't been turned in yet! Not until Tuesday! It turned out fine though. She cut everything out and I pasted it on the board for her!

Heather
Mom of Alexa, (17 years old) Diagnosed BP-NOS (09/05), updated to BP II w/psychotic features (05/08)
Abilify (10 mg), Lamictal (200 mg), Provigil (100 mg - a.m. and 3 p.m.), Claritin, Klonipin (.5 mg) as needed
Topamax at night only (100 mg) Seroquel at night only (200mg)
Attends alternative high school (Ohio)

moxleymama

[-]

Senior

Posts: 361

(01/18/09 03:32 PM)

Excellent! I'm glad she didn't let it overwhelm her and it is done. That's a nice feeling that is hard for our kids to get, you know?

Susan

Mom to :
Nathan (12); BiPolar I mixed without psychosis, ADHD, PDD-NOS (Concerta 36 mg am, Clonidine .05 mg am, noon & 0.2 mg bedtime, & Abilify 5 mg at 6 pm)

Hannah (7); healthy and happy (unless you count the HSM addiction)

Rayni

[-]

Senior

Posts: 13977

(01/18/09 03:56 PM)

Resident
Administrator

I dreamed of many things when he was born ...

aggierules wrote:
Heather - There are some really cool project idea books at teacher stores. I bought one just for posters - tons of ideas for layouts and etc. Marissa loves to look at one, get an idea, then she can get to work.

I was going to suggest something like this. Actually, Heather, since A is so good in graphic arts, I'd see if she couldn't do her project on the computer, then print it out & use it as a template to actually paste it on her poster board. I look at it like scrapbooking. I do a much better job with digital scrapbooking or having a "story board" to look at.

And Terri, I sure wish there were more teachers like you.

Nick is on SSI, topamax, abilify, buspar, (Asperger's, bipolar, anxiety); prilosec (reflux); zyrtec-D, nasal spray (allergies); metformin (recently dx'd insulin resistance)

Last Edited By: Rayni 01/18/09 03:58 PM. Edited 1 times.

momofalexa

[-]

Senior

Posts: 7497

(01/18/09 07:19 PM)

Moderator,
Master of
Resources

"Life is a millstone - YOU decide if it's going to grind you down or polish you up."

Yea, good idea, Rayni and I agree about Terri. Alexa can do a PowerPoint presentation in two snaps. But a poster board is like overload for her. Susan, thanks. I'm proud that she actually gave it a whirl and did do some stuff.

Heather
Mom of Alexa, (17 years old) Diagnosed BP-NOS (09/05), updated to BP II w/psychotic features (05/08)
Abilify (10 mg), Lamictal (200 mg), Provigil (100 mg - a.m. and 3 p.m.), Claritin, Klonipin (.5 mg) as needed
Topamax at night only (100 mg) Seroquel at night only (200mg)
Attends alternative high school (Ohio)

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Yuku free message boards

Projects - Poster Boards

Projects - Poster Boards

Quick Reply