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Homework, Without the Fight

Three short lessons on helping with homework so it helps: let the child do the steering, notice effort and method rather than marks, and have a calm way out when it gets tangled.

For grown-ups, from what TutorForge teaches children at Spark & Anvil.

  1. Lesson 1Let them steer
  2. Lesson 2Notice the method
  3. Lesson 3A calm way out
At the table · a grown-up and a child, 6 or older

The homework card

You'll need: a card or sheet of paper and a pen.

  1. Write the way out on the card together: "I'm getting tangled." Either of you may say it.
  2. Write three questions the grown-up may ask: What is it asking? What have you tried? What could you draw?
  3. Write one thing the grown-up will not do: hold the pencil.
  4. Keep the card on the table where homework happens.

Print the guidebook (all lessons + the table activity) →