56. When to Say No

The lesson, step by step

1. Warm up

   SayIs "No" an easy word to say? When is it hard?

2. Words and meanings

   This lesson's definitions are printed at the end. Read them together before you start.

3. Read it aloud

   Your child reads. Stop after each example and ask, "Would that be hard to say no to?"

   Here is a line from it:

   Though "No" is a very little word, it is not always easy to say it; and the not doing so, often causes trouble.

   Then let your child reread a favorite part, more smoothly.

4. Talk about it

   SayWhat things does the lesson say we should say "No" to?

   SayWhy is it sometimes hard to say no?

   SayWhat happens if we learn to say no to wrong things?

   Then talk about the lesson of the reading:

   "If we thus learn to say "No," we shall avoid much trouble, and be always safe."

   Let your child look back at the page to find answers.

5. Tell it back or write it

   SayTell me three times when a child should say "No."

   An older child can write the three times as sentences.

6. Dictation

   Show your child this sentence. Let them study it for a minute: the capitals, the commas, any hard words.

   If we are asked to do anything which we know to be wrong, we should not fear to say "No."

   Then close the book and read it aloud slowly while your child writes it. Open the book and check together.

7. Spelling

   Say each word, use it in a sentence, and have your child spell it aloud, then write it: trouble, wrong, safe, always.

   Check together and fix any mistakes right away. Keep missed words for tomorrow's warm-up.