Small Steps Build Research Skills

Research is a muscle that middle grades kids are still building. Their skills strengthen with just the right amount of repetition.

Megan Kelly

MiddleWeb

Mar 1, 2025

​In her article "Taking Small Steps to Build Research Skills," Megan Kelly emphasizes the importance of gradually developing research competencies among middle-grade students. Recognizing that research is akin to a muscle that strengthens with consistent practice, Kelly shares several strategies to make this process engaging and effective for sixth graders. ​middleweb.com

Emphasizing Keywords

Kelly underscores the foundational role of keywords in research. To illustrate their importance, she creates videos where key terms in research questions are obscured by sound effects, demonstrating that without these keywords, conducting research becomes challenging. Additionally, she engages students in activities where they identify keywords within sentences, enhancing their ability to discern essential terms. Kelly also introduces the use of the Command-F function, enabling students to quickly locate specific words in texts, thereby assessing the relevance of articles more efficiently. To support this, she incorporates a keyword box at the top of their digital note-taking documents, allowing students to compile and share effective keywords as they progress in their research.​

Keyword Scattergories

To expand students' vocabulary and research capabilities, Kelly introduces a game called Keyword Scattergories. In this activity, students work in groups to generate a list of potential keywords related to a given research question. They learn to think beyond the obvious terms, as common words across groups are eliminated, and unique, relevant keywords earn points. This exercise encourages students to consider synonyms and alternative phrases, broadening their research scope and fostering creativity in their approach.​

Navigating Library Databases

Kelly advocates for the use of library databases as reliable research resources. She teaches students not to settle for the first article they encounter but to critically evaluate database synopses to determine the most suitable starting points for their research. By comparing articles without clear right answers, students engage in discussions that consider factors such as publication date, source credibility, and reading level, thereby honing their analytical skills and judgment.​

Effective Google Searches

Recognizing that not all topics are adequately covered in databases, Kelly addresses the need for effective Google search strategies. She recommends using the News tab to filter out less credible sources like blogs and private websites. Additionally, maintaining a list of reputable sites, such as National Geographic, provides students with trustworthy starting points for their research. These strategies help students navigate the vast information available online, promoting digital literacy and critical thinking.​

Balancing Engagement and Practice

Kelly emphasizes the importance of balancing engaging activities with practical research exercises. By incorporating fun introductory games, teaching simple yet effective strategies like the Command-F function, and providing ample practice time, she creates an environment where students can develop their research skills without monotony. This approach ensures that students remain motivated and view research as an enjoyable and valuable endeavor.​

Conclusion

Megan Kelly's article offers practical insights into building research skills among middle-grade students. By focusing on essential components such as keyword identification, synonym exploration, critical evaluation of sources, and effective search strategies, educators can foster a supportive learning environment that encourages the development of robust research abilities. Kelly's emphasis on balancing engaging activities with skill-building exercises provides a replicable model for educators aiming to enhance their students' research competencies.

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com