Dealing with Plagiarism

from JoeUser Forums

My oldest daughter is 9 years old, and, for those who don't know, we homeschool our children.

She has a running assignment to report on a news story every week from the newspaper. She has, typical for her age, been careless in the completion of these assignments, and so she knows there will penaties if the article isn't turned in on time. Saturday, I read her latest report.

Now, my daughter has an advanced vocabulary, but it was quickly clear to me from reading the piece that the writing was NOT her style. I called her into the room casually, and asked her for the newspaper article. She shuffled away slowly, confirming my suspicions before I even viewed the paper. She had, of course, changed the order around, but every word was verbatim from the source article.

I had talked with her before about not copying the article, but I explained to her that it was plagiarism, and the equivalent of stealing. For this offense I gave her two additional days to complete the article, but assigned her a 2 page report on plagiarism and why it is wrong. I also told her that the next time I see plagiarism, the same penalties will be effected as if she didn't complete the assignment.

I'm hoping the lesson sticks.

 

1,001 views 5 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I hope she learns the lesson too. Although it sounds like she already knew she was doing something wrong, so that's a start.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
That's great! Not that she did it, but that you have caught and punished her effectively.

That's one of reasons I think Homeschooling is better. More personal attention and all that.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Hopefully she will have learnt the lesson you're trying to teach her. It's good to start from now too. In colleges and schools today there's so much of that going on. I tell my kids the same thing.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Tough love is called tough because it is hardest on the parent/guardian.  I know it breaks your heart, but you are doing the right thing.  She will understand one day and love you all the more for it.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Whoa! 9 years old with two page writing assignments! Smart kids, but not as smart as the ole teacher, Dad!