Using Grandma’s Rule

Have your students make two lists:  the first, of things they like to do in school (e.g., playing at recess, lunch in the cafeteria, hanging or playing with friends, doing errands outside of class, listening to music, taking care of the class pet, doing the easy math worksheets), and the second, the things they don't like to do in school (e.g., reading aloud, talking in front of class, having to share materials, doing the hard worksheets, following rules, etc.).

  1. Ask them why they don't like doing the things on their don't-like lists.  Chances are the primary reason most students will give is, "It's too hard."  Conversely, if you ask the same question about their do-like lists, most will answer, "It's fun."  Follow up on why it's fun and most will say, "`Cause it's easy."  Next, ask them how they could make the "hard" things easier.  Hopefully, they'll answer, "Practice it." And if you're really lucky, some will ask, "How can you practice something you don't like doing?"  That's when you smile to yourself and say, "Oh, don't you guys know about Grandma's Rule?" 
  2. Explain what Grandma's Rule is.  Depending on the age and cognitive ability of your students, you might tell them that Grandma's Rule is a game that they can play by themselves to help them practice things they don't like doing because they are hard.  Explain how the game is played:
    1. When you have something you need (or have) to do but it's too hard or it's no fun, think of something you could do that's fun and/or easy.
    2. Next, think about doing the fun and/or easy thing until you really want to do it.
    3. Then make a promise to yourself that the only way you get to do the fun thing is to first do all (or part of) the no-fun thing.
    4. Then make yourself do the no-fun thing and while you do it, think about how much fun you'll have when you finish it.
  3. Relate specific examples of people (adults, children, teachers, students, yourself) using Grandma's Rule to help them do something they don't like doing.  Ask them if they have ever played the game (i.e., used Grandma's Rule).
  4. Have each student choose one behavior from their don't-like lists that they would like to work on and possibly make into a do-like behavior.  Then have them choose (one or more) behaviors from their do-like lists that they would be willing to use as a "payoff."
  5. Have them write a contract with themselves (see figure 1.1).  Check each student's contract and if, after discussing it with him or her, you think it's fair and feasible, co-sign it with the student.

    6. Figure 1.1 Self-Contract

  6. Check each student's progress at the end of each day or week and make adjustments as needed.

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