What’s the best way to help my child prepare for tests without cramming?

Question

Last-minute studying creates stress and spotty results. Here’s how I help students build consistent habits that actually stick.

Answer 1

Cramming might get students through a quiz, but it doesn’t support long-term success. I help students prepare with structure and confidence by focusing on:

1. Spaced practice—reviewing material multiple times over several days
2. Mini-quizzes and flashbacks—testing recall instead of re-reading
3. Chunking—breaking big units into smaller, logical parts
4. Color-coded or visual review tools that support memory retention

I also help students build custom “test prep timelines” based on how much time they have and what kind of test they’re preparing for. When students know what to study and when, they feel more in control—and their performance improves.

Answer 2

Review you class material daily, and set aside time to work on a project as soon as you get the assignment. Prepping for a test at the last minute or rushing to meet an assignment deadline will only increase your stress level and will not yield good results.