Research has shown that when students take their studying seriously enough to quiz themselves on their progress, they up the ante for success. This is, after all, why teaches give no-risk pre-quizzes a few days before a major spelling, algebra, or social studies test. Students get an idea of what they've mastered and where they need to spend additional time and effort.

  

Here are some suggestions for no-risk, no-stress, pre-test quizzing that can be fun as well as helpful. Watch those grades and confidence rise.

  

When your child has a test coming up, encourage her to begin studying several days ahead of time. Each night during homework and study time, spend some time with her asking questions from her notes, textbook, online reading, or teacher materials.

  

Flash cards are particularly helpful; for material that needs to be learned with "automaticity," or with such mastery that you don't even think about it. Quizzing with flash cards can be fun, especially for younger kids, who feel a real sense of accomplishment for correct answers.

  

When kids quiz each other, they're particularly serious about doing well. They want to succeed in front of each other, and they enjoy thinking up questions that are even tougher than anything the teacher will throw at them.

  

Timed quizzes add another dimension to studying. Set a simple stopwatch for a minute or two, or use an egg timer, and ask a series of questions to see how man your studier can get. This can be particularly helpful for material he'll need to know off the top of his head.

  

Kids like to see their progress in a tangible form. Together, create a simple chart of correct answers, new concepts mastered, improved times, or thoughtful interpretations. Let her see how her studying improves her learning and grades.

  

Talk about improvements and the valuable impact of studying. Remember, you're laying the groundwork for future achievement and good study habits.

  

Remind him of good practices for the important test day. Relax. Read directions carefully. Answer first the questions he's sure about, then go back and deal with the others. Keep an eye on time. Encourage him to remind himself of the work he's done to prepare. 

  

Millions of children (and adults!) use abbreviated "texting" language to chat with friends, make weekend plans, and stay in touch with out-of-town relatives via email ,Twitter and Instant Messaging (IM). As students prepare for the end of the year in a few weeks, it is important that this informal writing style of shortened words, improper grammar, lack of punctuation and use of "emoticons," such as smiley faces and other keyboard-created graphics, does not become a habit while writing.

  

Here are a few tips that parents can use to help children boost their effective writing skills and to avoid IM, Twitter and email-style language making its way into schoolwork:

  

• Talk to children about using different writing styles to communicate with different audiences. Describe the importance of personalizing messages and why it's important that students know their audience. While it's okay to close a letter with "C-ya" to a friend in an IM, it is not okay to include this slang in homework assignments. Remind them that formality is required in school.
• Have fun with writing. Provide children with enjoyable ways to practice their writing. Involve your child with writing grocery lists, thank you notes, dates on calendars and messages.
• Review schoolwork for IM and email-style language. Encourage your children to write properly and take time to carefully review assignments several times before submitting them to the teacher. Review your child's homework to ensure he or she is not using shortcuts or slang.
• Talk with children to establish ground rules for using IM, Twitter and email. Work with your child to develop a plan for using IM and email to make sure other responsibilities, such as completing homework and chores, are met before going online to chat with friends. Discuss time limits with your children and ensure they are kept. Consider putting your family rules in writing and posting them near the computer.
• Create a writing zone. Whether writing on a computer or with a notebook and pencil, it's important that your child has a well-organized place to write. Set up an area in your home for writing- a desk or table with a flat surface and good lighting. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that writing tools, including a dictionary, paper and pens, are at your child's fingertips.