How to Help Your Child Review What They Learned in Class

When reviewing becomes more of a battle than a habit

It’s 6:30 p.m. Dinner plates are still on the table, your phone hasn't stopped buzzing, and your child just told you they "don't remember anything" from school today. Again. You're trying to help them succeed, but today feels like yet another uphill climb. If you're tired, unsure of what works, or wondering how to make learning less painful at the end of the day — you’re not alone.

Helping kids aged 6 to 12 review what they learned in class can often feel like another full-time job. Especially when your child is either overwhelmed, distracted, or simply says, "I don't get it." The good news? Reviewing doesn’t have to be about drilling them with flashcards until everyone ends up in tears. It’s about connection, curiosity, and creating a rhythm that works for your family.

Why reviewing matters more than finishing homework

Many parents focus on homework as the main tool for reinforcing classroom learning. But homework is just the tip of the iceberg — reviewing concepts helps transfer them from short-term to long-term memory, especially for kids who might struggle with attention, executive function, or simply learning at the pace of a standard classroom.

Without regular review, kids often forget new material within days. Imagine learning how to ride a bike and then not touching it again for a week — you’d be shaky at best. Kids need short, consistent, and meaningful reviews, not necessarily longer ones.

Start with what your child remembers — and what they feel

Begin by asking about your child’s day, but instead of “What did you learn today?” (which usually gets a shrug), try:

• “Was there anything funny or confusing in math today?”
• “If you could erase one part of today’s lesson, what would it be?”
• “Can you teach me something your teacher said?”

These kinds of questions lower the stakes and give kids an opportunity to reflect casually. You’re entering their world now — not forcing them into yours. Pay attention to not only what they learned, but how they felt about learning it. If school stress is part of the picture, you may find this article on school-related stress helpful in understanding the emotional layer behind resistance to review.

Create quick, meaningful review rituals

Children thrive on repetition, but not when it’s boring. Instead of sitting down at a desk again after a long school day, build micro-review opportunities into regular life. Here’s what it might look like:

During dinner: Let each family member share one new thing they learned today. Turn it into a mini quiz game: “Can anyone guess what I learned today?” This invites participation from everyone — siblings, too.

In the car: Use time on the road to turn passive moments into learning gold. Some families have found it helpful to use tools like Sculi, which can turn written lessons into audio format, letting kids listen and review while driving to soccer practice. It’s subtle, low-pressure, and wildly effective for auditory learners.

At bedtime: Invite your child to tell a made-up story that includes something they learned. For example, “Tell me a story about a squirrel who knows fractions.” Sounds silly? Yes — and that’s the point. Creativity helps memories stick.

For more ideas, check out creative family activities to turn reviewing into a game.

Use their strengths — especially if traditional methods don't work

If your child struggles with reading comprehension, take heart: reviewing doesn’t have to mean reading a textbook out loud. Some kids retain information better through stories, visuals, or movement.

One thoughtful mom I spoke to recently described how her son – who has ADHD and a vivid imagination – started looking forward to his review sessions once she began turning lessons into silly games or quests. With help from an app, she used a photo of his science notes to generate a custom quiz based on the day’s lesson — something that felt more like a puzzle than a chore. Other times, she let him listen to a personalized audio adventure where he became the hero solving multiplication riddles. Suddenly, math wasn’t just tolerable — it was awesome.

That journey taught her something we all need to hear: when reviewing taps into your child’s interests and strengths, it stops being a struggle. If educational games haven’t worked in the past, this deep dive on why they sometimes fall flat is worth a read.

Build rhythm, not pressure

Reviewing shouldn’t feel like cramming. If your child gets overwhelmed by end-of-week study sessions, it’s a sign that small, frequent touchpoints could serve them better. Together, you can create a simple reviewing rhythm:

• Pick 2–3 subjects to touch on weekly
• Dedicate 10 minutes a day at a time your child is calm and open
• Use consistent cues: maybe it’s right after snack, during a walk, or after brushing teeth

Consistency doesn’t mean rigidity. Some days won’t work. That’s okay. Even three quality reviews a week will make a bigger impact than 30 minutes of rushed, frustrated study on Sunday night. If you need help crafting a routine that works for your child’s personality, consider reading this guide on building a strong study routine.

Celebrate small wins — and keep perspective

Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn’t perfect recall or high scores — it’s seeing your child engaged. A kid who once refused to talk about school now proudly explains how photosynthesis works (with hand gestures). Celebrate those moments. Point them out. Let them fuel future ones.

Reviewing shouldn’t just help your child learn facts — it should help them feel capable, curious, and proud of themselves. If you're wondering what success looks like here, this article on helping your child feel proud of their learning is a great next read.

Lastly, remember this: you don’t have to make every moment magical. Just a few thoughtful ones, strung together with care — that’s what truly helps them review, retain, and grow.