I often hear from parents wanting know how to help their child improve in school, even when they're not struggling. The most important step is getting your child organized. This minimizes late nights completing homework assignments, cramming for tests, and can ultimately reduce anxiety about school which helps a child reach his full academic potential. Here are some tips for parents to help their child go from "average" to A+.

Be a homework manager

Sometimes, parents think helping their child complete their homework, or even doing their child's homework, will help him achieve better grades in school. Often, it's just the opposite; creating a situation where children have not learned the concepts they are later tested on in the classroom.

A simple way to help your child with homework is by creating an atmosphere that works with your child to efficiently tackle school tasks. Make sure the area is free from potential distractions and that study tools are at your child's fingertips to keep him focused on homework.

Planning can help students relax and can make the difference between a "B" and an "A."

Know your child

Understanding a child's learning style can help a parent personalize homework to ensure peak performance in school, as well as build a child's self-confidence. Below are the three basic divisions of learning for children: 

If a child easily remembers how things look and can describe something he has seen in great detail, but has a difficult time following verbal directions, he is likely to be a visual learner. To help a visual learner study more successfully, parents may want to use illustrations to help him recall information easier.

If a child prefers listening to stories, music and class lessons, or moves his lips when he reads, he may be an auditory learner. To help an auditory learner reach his full academic potential, parents can help him create songs or rhymes in order to increase his ability to recall facts

If a child is always on the move and has a hard time sitting still or paying attention, he is likely a haptic learner. To help a haptic learner study more successfully, parents may want to encourage him to study in different positions (e.g., sit in a chair, on the floor, at a table, etc.).

Break long-term assignments into smaller segments

Larger projects will be less overwhelming when viewed as a series of incremental tasks.

Schedule a set study time every day and make that allotted time a priority for homework and for general studying. In addition, use that time to review that day's class notes and the next day's assignment and reading material.

Set milestones

Teach your child to use a calendar to set completion dates in order to help him stay on track and complete projects on time.

Use your family calendar to highlight school projects and deadlines, but also extracurricular activities. This visually illustrates to the student the importance of school/fun balance and reminds children that the completion of schoolwork does not have to overwhelming.

Incentives can motivate students to learn, and recognizing achievement can build a child's self-esteem. Figure out what external motivators you can use to ensure homework or studying is completed each night. That way, your kids will know that there are positive consequences to their actions.

Celebrate success

When the academic goal is achieved, a celebration gives your child a sense of accomplishment and pride, and can encourage the student to set new academic goals.

A reward does not have to be monetary. Praise is one of the best motivators.  Simply recognizing your child's efforts (not necessarily solely the grade achieved) can motivate him to fulfill his potential and strive to reach his goals.

For instance, celebrate successes, even the small ones, by saying, "Congratulations. I am proud of you." 

Or, when each goal is met, parents can place their leftover change in a glass jar.  Children can track their progress by watching the jar fill.  When the long-term project is completed, use the change to order pizza and rent a movie.  This way, the whole family can celebrate the child's achievement.

What are some your secrets to getting your child organized? 

Editor's Note: Dr. Rick has forty years of education experience, in both the public and private sectors, including more than a decade with Sylvan Learning. For more information, please visit http://www.drrickblog.com.