Graphic Organizer for book report
These are 2 options for helping due dates become more concrete for students. The first is a contract, useful for buy-in from students. It can also provide a good way for Parents to reward students for meeting a concrete goal.
The second one is more in-depth and helps keep the project in a piece by piece form. The smaller due dates are less overwhelming than a single far distant due date.
Both need to be updated and checked frequently, when students know that Mom and Dad and teachers are all expecting some concrete step, they are more motivated to finish it on time. Even if that motivation isn’t quite mature enough to be internal, having all concerned adults help them remember will make an impression.
Praise them at every step that you can. Recognize that this is hard work for them and remind them how proud they will be of themselves when they meet the deadline at the end of the project.