Tangle Tamerends first, then up

How to play

1. Four strands of hair, knots scattered down each one.
2. Tap the lowest knot on a strand to brush it out. Then the next one up.
3. Tap a higher knot while a lower one is still there and the brush yanks. OUCH. Three yanks ends the game.
4. 45 seconds. New knots keep appearing. Score is knots brushed out.

The real-life version

• Start at the ends. Hold the hair above the knot with your other hand so it doesn't pull at the scalp.
• Short strokes. Move up a little at a time.
• Wet hair with conditioner or detangler is easier than dry hair.
• If you start at the top you push every knot into one big knot at the bottom. That's the yank.

For grown-ups and teachers

First pass. One rule, drilled: ends first, then up. The game punishes the exact move most kids make (brush from the top down) with the exact feeling they get in real life (a yank). Nothing is tracked or sent anywhere.

Talk about it after

• "Where do you start brushing your real hair?"
• "Why did it yank in the game? Where was the other knot?"
• "What's the hold-the-hair trick so it doesn't hurt?"