How Can I Use Short Quizzes to Check My Child’s Progress

Why checking understanding matters more than just finishing homework

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re the kind of parent who has stayed up past their bedtime, watching your child muddle through a tense hour of math problems or a vocabulary list that seems endless. And maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Is any of this sticking?”

This is a question I hear again and again. Your child may be completing their homework, but how do you know if they’re actually learning—grasping the concepts, making connections, and retaining what matters? The truth is, doing the work and understanding the work aren’t the same. That’s where short quizzes can become your low-stress, high-impact tool for insight.

Reframing quizzes: From pressure to progress markers

It’s important to start by shedding the test-anxiety baggage associated with the word "quiz." When I say short quizzes, I don’t mean white-knuckled sit-downs with timers and red pens. I mean casual, low-pressure check-ins—like an impromptu game of trivia at the kitchen table, or a "pop quiz" with no stakes but plenty of smiles.

Used thoughtfully, quizzes can offer your child a sense of pride and mastery, and offer you real clarity on what they’ve absorbed. Think of them as flashlights—brief illuminations of what’s understood and what might still be hiding in the shadows.

Start small and stay casual

You don’t need to design an exam. If your child is learning about plant life cycles, ask them three quick questions at breakfast or while tidying their room: “What comes after germination? What does the plant need to grow? Can you name one kind of pollinator?” If they can’t answer right away, it’s not a failure—it’s an insight. It tells you where to revisit gently.

One mom I spoke to made it a game—they had a family scoreboard on the fridge where everyone, including her and her spouse, could earn stars by answering daily mini-quizzes. Her 9-year-old, who once dreaded school topics, started asking for quiz time.

Think of what your child is studying this week. Could you jot down five questions together after they finish their homework, then quiz each other during dinner prep? Short bursts like this feel doable—for both of you.

Let your child take the driver’s seat

One of the most empowering ways to use quizzes is to involve your child in creating them. After reviewing a lesson, ask them to make three questions they think you won’t be able to answer. It turns the tables: they become the teacher, and that shift reinforces their learning powerfully.

This simple trick—flipping the role—dramatically improves retention. Plus, your child will get a kick out of trying to stump you. It taps into the [love of play that so often gets lost](https://skuli.ghost.io/what-should-i-do-when-my-child-says-they-dont-like-learning) in the school routine.

Use tools that reduce friction

Some days, even pulling together a short quiz can feel like one more thing on your plate. That’s okay. Technology can support without replacing your presence. For example, if your child has just brought home a dense lesson on the water cycle, you can take a quick photo of it using the Sculi App, which turns written content into a personalized 20-question quiz. This lets your child practice key ideas without staring at the same worksheet again. It’s an efficient, low-prep way to reinforce understanding while keeping your child engaged in a format that feels fresh.

Adapt to how your child learns

Short quizzes are not just for visual learners. If your child is more responsive to sound or stories, consider blending quiz concepts with other formats. Turn key facts into a jingle. Or ask questions during a walk or car ride, where pressure is low and movement increases engagement.

One father I worked with had a son who refused to sit and review vocabulary lists. But he loved audio stories. So they started using audio-based lessons that wove review questions into an adventure story where the boy was the hero. Suddenly, he was learning new words, not because he had to, but because he didn’t want to lose the dragon battle.

Using the method that works best for your child makes all the difference. (This idea is explored deeper in our article What’s the best way to review a lesson with my child?)

Make it part of a bigger picture of learning

Short quizzes are best when they’re part of a culture of curiosity, not fear. Regular, low-pressure check-ins can help your child build better study habits over time. Think about where they’re starting and celebrate even small improvements.

Is your child picking up on the main idea more easily? Are they better at expressing what they don’t understand? These are real gains. Don’t underestimate the power of simply pausing to reflect on how they’re progressing. It builds confidence, which reduces school-related stress for everyone involved.

If revision time has become a battle in your house, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You might find some useful calming strategies in this article on staying calm during revision.

The quiz is not the goal—it’s the window

Ultimately, quizzes are not a finish line but a window that shows you, clearly, what’s connected and what still needs a bridge. With that insight, you meet your child where they are—with kindness, not correction. You get to celebrate what they know and revisit what’s still foggy, together.

You’re not just checking boxes—you’re opening doors. And that changes everything.