Short answer: Split success into four steps: added, done, on time and in good time. Each step is a win in itself, and the biggest step — being in good time — is the skill that makes homework easier in the long run.
1. When success comes too late
For a child who struggles with homework, “done” is a goal far away. Until then there's only what's missing. It's hard to keep going when you rarely experience succeeding.
The answer isn't to lower the bar, but to make success visible earlier.
It's hard to keep going when you rarely experience succeeding.
2. Four steps
- Added – the homework is written down. It sounds small, but this is where a lot of homework disappears. What's written down doesn't have to be remembered.
- Done – every step is ticked off.
- On time – done before the due date.
- In good time – done at least a day before it was needed. It's the hardest step, and it earns the most points.
The help article explains the steps, the points and how rewards are set up.
Motivation, points and rewards3. In good time is the real skill
Doing homework in good time takes something other than doing it: you have to look ahead, split the task up and start before it's urgent. It's a planning skill, and it can be practised.
That's why In good time earns the most points (5), and why the homework plan spreads the steps so everything is done the day before it's due. The child practises planning without having to plan everything themselves.
4. Streaks and points — as encouragement, not control
A streak of days where the day's homework was done is a simple way to see progress. Days without homework don't break the streak, so weekends and days off don't count against it.
Points can be used for rewards or pocket money if that suits the child. But the most important thing is the conversation: “You made it In good time three times this week — how did you do that?” says more than a number of points.
5. When it goes wrong
Some weeks go sideways. Then it's worth remembering that the first step can always be reached: write the homework down. From that step there's a way back up.
And when something can't be done on time, Morgenrutine shows it in good time, so it can become a conversation with the teacher instead of a surprise.
Get started
Add the week's homework in Homework, and look at the ladder of success together on Sunday. Which steps were reached? What would it take to reach In good time one more time next week?
Frequently asked questions
Because this is where a lot of homework disappears. Getting it written down is the first step towards getting it done.
On time is before the due date. In good time is at least a day before it was needed — there's room for the unexpected.
Each step earns points once per piece of homework. Points are spent when rewards are redeemed.