Here we are, the eve of my 7th grader's first science test of the year. At my kiddos' middle school, science is the class they really need to study and prepare for tests. While this can be frustrating...it is GOOD. It is GOOD that our kids our challenged during their middle school years, where it is ok for them to struggle and fail. This is a MUCH harder (and sometimes expensive) lesson to learn later in their schooling.
I've written a post about our approach to studying before HERE. There is more about the back story and why we adopted this method, and this post is meant to condense the information down to just our process and update a little to include using AI to help (yep...this is a good place for it!)
This can be used for any subject.
Step One: My "Non-negotiables" - - These are things my kids are expected to do on their own, I will assist if needed, but this is on them.
1. Complete the review sheet on paper. This is an easy one. If the teacher provides a review sheet, it is the best view of information needed to know on the test. This is to be done on paper...if the teacher has an electronic copy, my kid is expected to ask for a printed-out version (teaching them to advocate for themselves) or at the very least we will print off the electronic version. Fill this out by hand. It is good for the brain!
2. Learn the vocab. "But mom, there isn't a vocab matching section on the test." I don't care. You can't expect to answer the questions on the test accurately if you don't understand the chapter vocab that's included. Notecards are best, but however they get that vocab down fine...just get it!
3. Participate in class review games/activities and pay attention to the areas you struggled or things you didn't know well. (This becomes our area of focus at home)
Step Two: Videos
I will take the title of the unit, chapter, or even individual sections and find three-to-four videos from YouTube for my child to watch. I either send them the video to their email or text it (if they have a phone). I look for short, condensed videos that are 10 minutes or less.
Key to finding decent videos is to add "for kids" or "for 7th grade" to the search criteria. So my search might be "Ancient Egypt for 7th grade social studies" or "The solar system for kids" - - This is soooo helpful to find videos that are more likely to include what they learned in class AND be explained at a level they can understand. (You can also use Chat GPT or other AI programs to help find videos.)
My kids watch the videos and are required to tell me which one was the most helpful or best at explaining their topic. This helps my kids learn how to receive the information in another format.
Step Three: Quizzes using AI
This has been the best addition to our study routine. I used to search through the internet looking for practice test questions on various teacher pages. It was somewhat successful, depending on the topic, but AI has made this SO MUCH EASIER for us all.
(We have Gemini AI on our phones, so I just use that). I type in this exact phrase... "Can you make me a 7th grade multiple choice quiz over ____insert unit topic here____". It comes up in multiple choice form, and I have the option to share it. I have my kiddo take the quiz either by giving them my phone or sending it through email or text.
Depending on how they do on that quiz, I either ask for 10 more questions on the same topic...or we shift gears by typing in "now can you make me a 7th grade quiz on that same topic with critical thinking and analysis type questions." This will bring up questions that require your kids to USE the information they know and not just identify key words and phrases. Plus... our science teacher has many of these types of questions on her tests and this HELP SO MUCH!
I can also narrow the focus to a specific topic my kid might be struggling with. Like identifying types of rocks or understanding wavelengths. You can get as specific as needed. Using Chat GPT to make these little quizzes is also a really quick way for them to review in the morning before school.
And that's it. I can have the kids repeat the steps as many times as necessary for them to feel confident the next day. We try to spread this out over a few days, but it can depend on how much notice we have for a test coming up. Some teachers give quite a bit of notice, and some don't.
My oldest, who is in her freshman year of high school, now completes these steps independently and only asks for specific help if needed. My 7th grader knows what to expect when she gets home today as we dig in to prepare. They know that sometimes material is going to be hard and they may struggle. We expect them to do their best...and following this method helps them know what that means.
If you think this looks like a lot of parent involvement...it should. You should be involved in helping teach your child how to learn and study. You don't have to understand all the material to set expectations and give your kids the tools to meet those expectations. If you start this in middle school...your high school kiddo will be much more prepared. And if college is in their future...they may be teaching their friends how to study!
