How Can My Child Improve Grades Without Doing Hours of Homework Each Night?
By Julie Diamond, OCT
Are you or your child spending hours each evening on homework, only to feel frustrated by the lack of progress? It’s a common challenge many families face, but the good news is that improving grades doesn’t have to mean sacrificing hours of free time. The key lies in developing smarter study habits, fostering better organization, and prioritizing overall well-being. Here’s a deep dive into strategies that can help boost academic performance without burning out.
1. Active Learning During Class – Engage in the Moment
The foundation for academic success starts during class time. By being fully present and engaged, students can absorb more information and reduce the amount of review needed later. Encourage your child to actively participate by:
Asking questions when they don’t understand something.
Taking thorough, structured notes.
Engaging in classroom discussions and group activities.
Teachers often provide subtle hints about what will appear on tests or assignments. Active listening and participation can make these moments easier to catch, reducing the need for hours of post-class studying. If your child feels shy about asking questions, remind them that many classmates likely have the same question and will benefit from their courage to speak up. Or they can ask the teacher privately at break.
Pro Tip: Review class notes for 10-15 minutes each evening. This simple habit reinforces daily learning and prevents last-minute cramming.
2. Effective Study Techniques – Work Smarter, Not Longer
Long study sessions can lead to burnout and diminished returns. Instead, encourage your child to adopt focused and efficient study techniques like the Pomodoro method:
Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
After four cycles, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
Breaking study time into manageable chunks improves concentration and information retention. This technique is particularly effective for subjects that require heavy memorization or problem-solving.
Additionally, emphasize active study methods such as:
Summarizing Notes: Rewrite class notes in their own words to boost comprehension. Using Google Read and Write is a great tool to get their ideas down faster. Or if they’re confused by their notes, have them use AI to summarize the information.
Teaching Someone Else: Explaining concepts to a friend or family member reinforces learning.
Practice Quizzes: Use online resources or create mock quizzes to test knowledge. If their teacher didn’t provide a test review, brainstorm questions they think may be on the test and then have them answer the questions. This helps them think critically about the material and alleviate test anxiety by preparing themselves beforehand.
3. Organized Study Space – Set the Scene for Success
A cluttered workspace can lead to distractions and procrastination. Help your child create a dedicated study area that is tidy, quiet, and free from interruptions. This space should be:
Well-lit and comfortable.
Stocked with necessary supplies (pens, paper, calculators, etc.).
Free from distractions like phones or televisions.
Encourage them to personalize their space with items that motivate or inspire, such as quotes, photos, or small plants.
Check out a previous blog I wrote ‘How Do I Set Up the Perfect Study Space for Online Tutoring?’ for more ideas.
Challenge: Have your child organize their study area this week and reflect on how it impacts their focus. Even a small effort to create a clean, inviting space can make a significant difference in productivity.
A white desk with a laptop opened with a white screen. It is an organized space with a light brown chair in front, a brown mug to the left of the opened laptop, and file folders to the right.
4. Quality Over Quantity – Focus on Understanding
One of the biggest misconceptions about studying is that longer hours equate to better results. In reality, deep understanding of concepts is far more valuable than simply completing assignments.
Teach your child to:
Break down complex topics into smaller parts.
Ask “why” and “how” questions to deepen comprehension.
Focus on mastering key concepts rather than rushing through homework.
By shifting the focus to understanding, students are better equipped to tackle exams and long-term projects with confidence. This approach minimizes the need for constant review, freeing up more personal time.
5. Utilize Online Resources – Learning at Your Fingertips
The internet offers a treasure trove of educational resources that can supplement classroom learning.
Encourage your child to explore:
Educational Videos: Platforms like Khan Academy or CrashCourse offer engaging explanations on a wide range of subjects.
Online Quizzes: Websites such as Quizlet provide interactive flashcards and quizzes.
Apps for Study Aid: Applications like Duolingo (languages) or Photomath (math) make learning more interactive and fun.
These resources allow students to learn at their own pace and revisit challenging topics as often as needed.
Action Step: Identify one or two online resources this week and integrate them into study sessions. Variety can make learning more enjoyable and less monotonous.
6. Prioritize Rest and Mental Well-being – Recharge for Success
Adequate rest is crucial for memory retention, focus, and overall academic performance.
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends:
9-12 hours of sleep for children aged 6-12.
8-10 hours for teens.
Encourage consistent sleep schedules and relaxation techniques, such as reading or meditation, to wind down at the end of the day. Remind your child that sacrificing sleep for late-night study sessions can be counterproductive, as a tired brain is far less effective.
In addition to rest, physical activity and hobbies are essential for maintaining a balanced life. Encourage your child to:
Engage in sports, dance, or other physical activities.
Take regular breaks during long study sessions.
Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises when feeling overwhelmed.
For mindfulness activities to do at home, check out my blog ‘What Are Mindfulness Activities That I Can Do With Kids?’
7. Personalized Learning Strategies – Tailor Study Habits to Fit
Every child learns differently. Some excel through visual aids, while others prefer hands-on activities or auditory learning. Help your child discover their learning style by experimenting with various techniques:
Visual learners benefit from diagrams, charts, and color-coded notes.
Auditory learners may prefer listening to lectures or podcasts or YouTube videos.
Kinesthetic learners thrive with hands-on experiments and physical engagement.
By customizing study approaches, students can make the most of their strengths, resulting in more efficient learning and less wasted time.
Final Thoughts – Study Smarter, Not Harder
Improving grades doesn’t have to mean hours of tedious work each night. With the right strategies, students can enhance their learning, boost their confidence, and achieve academic success without sacrificing their well-being.
At Diamond Teachers Group, we believe in personalized learning experiences tailored to each child’s unique needs. If you or your child are unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Our tutoring programs focus on developing effective study habits, fostering a love for learning, and building the confidence necessary for long-term success.
Ready to transform the way your child learns? Contact Diamond Teachers Group today to learn more about our tutoring services and personalized study strategies.