When I'm helping a kid with homework, I try to model strategies that help the student know how to manage similar assignments. Every week the students get worksheets to help them master spelling words. Almost always, they have to put the spelling words into blanks in sentences, so that they learn the meaning of the words.

When a student gets stuck on a sentence and can't figure out what word fits there, I say, "Leave that one and come back to it later. If you do the sentences you know and cross out the words you've used, you'll have fewer choices and you'll be able to see what the answer has to be."

Some students look at me as if I'm telling them to cheat. Some of them won't go on till they've put an answer in the next sentence. Some of them try my advice. I was working one day with Yvette, who was in second grade. She was stuck on a sentence, and I started to say, "Why don't you...?" Yvette interrupted and said, "I know, I know, leave it for now," in the tone of voice of someone who has just been told something really obvious. I'd told her that a week or two before. Having a kid remember and use something I've said makes me feel good. Part of the fun of working with Yvette is that she does remember and use what she has been told.

–David Brownell