With SATs fast approaching I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas to help you and your children have a positive experience during SATs week. There is a lot of controversy when it comes to SATs and I have seen first hand what these tests can do and it is not pretty. No one, particularly children, should have to go through so much unnecessary stress. How can we combat this? COMMUNICATION is the key
1. Make sure your children have positive coping mechanisms, understand their emotions and are able to speak to someone, a teacher, parent or carer, about how they feel.
2.Teachers and parents should instill confidence and reassurance.
3. Keep an eye on homework – is it too much? Does it consist of SATs papers every week? If so this is wrong and boring! – Talk to your children’s teacher about this. Homework should be varied, creative and fun.
4. Make sure your children have plenty of opportunities to play, be creative, and rest.
5. Tell your children the truth about SATs, which are:
7. Make sure children are clear about what will happen during SATs week. Being tested under timed conditions, allowed to drink water, no copying etc.
8. Show your children how proud you are of their efforts which are more important than the outcome
If your child exhibits any of these behaviours than intervention may be necessary. This could be talking to the teacher or headteacher, less homework, extra support etc. Ultimately find out what your child wants and needs.
It is unfortunate that schools do not always adhere to these rules. In my experience I have found that schools and many teachers are more concerned for their reputation and give children a very hard time. SATs unfortunately dictate where schools stand on league tables. It is therefore up to parents to make sure their children are happy and feel confident about taking SATs tests. If stress and anxiety are causing too much upset it may be an idea to withdraw your children from taking SATs. This I believe is allowed.
At the end of the day all children can do is try their very best, and on that note I would like to wish GOOD LUCK! to all Year 2 and Year 6 children taking SATs this month.