Article: Make sure your child isn't just memorizing information. Instead, work with them to make them think deeply about their assignments, as this will allow them to really understand what they're learning. You can ask questions like: "Why do you think your teacher would assign this type of project? What do you think you'll learn from it?" When your child gets a correct answer, ask them to explain how they came up with it. At the beginning of the school year, sit with your child and write down three to five goals related to their schoolwork and study habits. Halfway through and again at the end of the year, look at your list and check your progress. Your child's goals can be related to their study habits, or to doing well on a particular assignment. These goals can be things like: "Learn to take more effective notes," "Improve my grades in Earth Science" or "Read a chapter book on my own." Talk to your child to find out if they have a friend they'd enjoy studying with, or check with your child's teacher or a librarian at the local library to find a study buddy for your child. You and the friend's parents can take turns hosting a weekly study session for your kids. Encourage your child and their friend to help each other out with each of their strongest subjects. One might be "in charge" of math, and the other of reading. Having a study buddy is a great way to get your child in the habit of quizzing themselves or other people to commit information to their memory. Make sure the sessions don't turn into social hours by checking in frequently. You can do so sneakily by bringing over snacks or having the study sessions in a common area of your home. Make sure your child stays positive about their schoolwork. Even if they're struggling with a class, remind them that all they can do is try their best, and that you're here to help. Even if your child is panicking because they've totally forgotten they need to make a volcano display by 6am the next morning, don't add to the crisis by getting angry. You should both take deep breaths and tackle the situation calmly. While you want your child to strive for the best grades they can get, you also don't want to make them anxious or achievement-obsessed. Tell your child that you want them to try their best, and that the grades are secondary. This will help them learn to study for the knowledge rather than the A.

What is a summary?
Help your child ask questions and think critically. Make specific study goals. Set your child up with a study buddy. Avoid letting your child panic over school. Focus on your child's efforts instead of grades.