What’s the Best Way to Review a Lesson With My Child

When "What Did You Learn Today?" Hits a Wall

You've probably asked it dozens of times. "What did you learn today?" Sometimes, you might get a muttered "math," other times a blank stare or a quick change of topic. Reviewing lessons with your child feels like it should be simple—but when you’re facing a child who’s tired, resistant, or anxious, it quickly turns into a delicate dance of patience, creativity, and connection.

If you're anything like the parents I speak with daily, you’re not trying to turn your home into a miniature classroom. You just want to help your child keep up, feel capable, and maybe even rediscover a bit of joy in learning. And when your kid is struggling in school—whether it’s with homework stress, learning differences, or low motivation—reviewing a lesson at home becomes more than a routine; it’s a lifeline.

Start With Curiosity, Not Correction

One evening, a mom shared with me how her 9-year-old clenched his fists every time she tried to go over a science topic. "I think he feels like I’m about to test him," she said. So instead, she started looking at his notebook with him, saying, "Hmm, I didn’t learn it this way—can you show me how your teacher explained it?" And something shifted. He started explaining, drawing, even laughing when he couldn’t remember terms because the pressure had lifted.

What made the difference? Her curiosity. Reviewing a lesson doesn’t need to feel like a quiz. Instead, aim to be a co-learner. Let your child teach you. Narrate what you’re noticing: "Oh, so kinetic energy is when something’s moving? That’s interesting—you know when we skate down the hill? I bet that’s what’s happening." Bring the topic to life through observation and connection. You’re not testing knowledge. You’re reinforcing it through discussion.

Make It Sensory, Make It Stick

Some kids learn beautifully through seeing. Others respond better to hearing, moving, or building. When reviewing a lesson, you’re not just asking your child to repeat what was taught—you’re helping them experience it again, but in a new, more memorable way.

Take math, for example. If your child is learning about fractions, grab some fruit, a pizza, or Legos. Rewrite the lesson physically. Ask: “What does 3/4 look like on this banana?” Not only does it make the concept visual and tangible, it gets your child moving—and movement boosts memory.

For auditory learners or just fidgety kids who don’t want to sit at a desk again after a long school day, using audio tools can be transformative. On those busy days when you’re running errands or driving to piano lessons, you can use apps that convert lessons into personalized audio content your child can listen to—some even put your child’s name into an audio adventure and turn dry material into something they actually look forward to hearing. One parent recently told me her daughter begged to listen to her “science story” on the way to school every morning, thanks to the Sculi App, which transformed her worksheet into an engaging audio journey.

Review, Don’t Re-teach

This one can be hard, especially when your child looks at you with confusion, and your brain starts spinning with ways to explain the concept better, clearer, simpler. But remember: reviewing is different than re-teaching. Your goal isn’t to cover every angle like a tutor might. Instead, it’s about reinforcing the key points of what they’ve already learned—finding gaps gently, celebrating what they recall, and being okay with not mastering everything in that moment.

When a lesson feels tough (let’s say grammar rules or word problems), break it into smaller pieces. Ask your child, “Which part made sense to you?” or “Which part was tricky?” Avoid front-loading all the content. Revisiting difficult topics little by little across a few days works better than trying to fix it all in one sitting.

Need help with how to tackle tricky classroom topics without feeling like you need a teaching degree? This guide on explaining hard subjects without becoming a teacher might be just what you need.

Keep It Light—Even Fun

Humor, stories, and play sneak past a child’s resistance like nothing else. When possible, transform the review into a game. You don’t need fancy materials: turn flashcards into a treasure hunt, or use short, silly quizzes with points your child can use to “buy” skipping a chore or picking a dinner menu.

In fact, reviewing lessons using quizzes can be an excellent way to mix measurement with engagement. And yes, you can create some by hand—or get a little boost from tech. One clever mom told me she simply snaps a photo of the lesson in her son's notebook using an app, and within seconds, it generates a 20-question quiz tailored to that exact content. It gave her child just enough challenge to keep him interested, without making him feel like he was being drilled.

If you’re thinking about how to help your child stay calm during reviews, this article on easing revision stress dives into that more deeply.

Look for Wins, Not Perfection

Every review session doesn’t need to end with mastery. Sometimes, the win is that your child stayed at the table. Or remembered more than yesterday. Or didn’t cry. These moments matter more than grades or how many answers they got right. Over time, consistent, kind engagement with school topics builds confidence.

In the long run, what makes the biggest difference isn’t the method—it’s the message your child hears: “You’re not alone. I believe in your ability to learn.” If you’re working on building lasting habits around studying, this overview on early good study habits is another supportive resource to lean on.

And if you ever face the "I hate school" slump (we all do, at some point!), come back to this reminder and check out how to respond when your child says they don’t like learning.

You’re Teaching More Than a Lesson

At the end of the day, reviewing a lesson isn’t just about cementing information. It’s about strengthening your connection with your child, helping them feel less alone with their struggles, and nurturing a mindset that learning is safe—even when it’s hard.

You’re already doing more than you realize. And with warmth, creativity, and a dash of flexibility, your review ritual can become something your child actually looks forward to. One page, one lesson, one day at a time.