Connor and Sarah think they have the same problem—not turning in their homework. See how answering these questions can help them figure out what their problem really is so they can find a good solution.
What happens or does not happen that bothers you?
- I got a bad grade because I didn’t turn in my homework.
- I got a bad grade because I didn’t turn in my homework.
Who is involved?
- Me
- Me
Where does it happen?
- At home when I remember but don’t have the materials I need or at school when the teacher asks for the homework.
- I do the homework at home, but can’t find it when I am at school.
When does it happen?
- Two or three times a week when I’m feeling tired or stressed
- Two or three times a week when I’m feeling rushed in the morning
Why does it happen?
- I forget what homework is assigned or I forget to take home all the materials that I need to do my homework.
- I don’t have a set place to put my homework when it’s done so I just put it anywhere.
What is your response to the situation?
- It makes me feel angry and embarrassed.
- I feel frustrated and like a failure.
What would you like to happen instead?
- I would like to remember to do my homework and remember to take home everything I need to do it.
- I’d like to turn in the homework that I have done.
What steps can you take to achieve your goal?
- I can write down what homework I need to do and what materials I will need in a planner.
- I’ll get a folder for my finished homework and keep it in my bag.
Connor and Sarah Get the Facts
Connor
Connor wants to remember his homework and has identified a strategy that might help him. He’s going to write his assignments and the books he needs in a planner.
For Connor, the real problem seems to be that he cannot remember what homework has been assigned or he forgets to bring home the books that he needs to complete it.
Sarah
Sarah is able to remember the assignments that she needs to do and organize her time to get them done. However, she loses the completed homework before she can turn it in.
For Sarah, the real problem seems to be that she does not have good organizational strategies to help her keep track of her assignments so that she can find them when it is time to turn them in.
Can you see how Connor and Sarah might approach solving their problems differently once they have gotten all of the facts?