SATs and some top 10 stress busters to help your child!

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As you are aware it is SATs week next week. (13th-16th May 2019)

Your children have revised and prepared for these tests really well, and we want them to be able to show this in the tests.

We are really proud of how hard they have worked recently.

Therefore, we ask the following…

  • Please ensure that your child gets plenty of rest this weekend, including lots of sleep.
  • Engage in fun stress-free activities to ensure that their minds are occupied and not worrying unnecessarily.
  • Don’t spend time over-revising.

Next week, please ensure that your child is in school on time and every day. We ask that if they are feeling unwell, that you still send them in, in order to complete the tests and we will send them home after the tests, if we deem them unfit for school. (All tests take place in the mornings.)

Also…

  • If your child usually wears glasses, uses a hearing aid or needs medication or inhalers please ensure they have them with them for the tests or that they have taken them before school.
  • Ensure your child has a bottle of water with them each day.

We will make sure that the tests are carried out in the familiar way that the children are used to, to make them as stress-free as possible.

We will also provide the children with a light breakfast snack before each test and would therefore like to invite the children into school for this at 8.30am each day of the tests.

After SATs.

To celebrate the end of SATs Week we will be holding a cinema morning for Yr6 children on Friday 17th May 2019. We will also be providing ‘youth-club’ style activities in the afternoon. We are therefore giving the children a choice to bring in 1 toy/game from home to share with their friends during this opportunity. (Please ensure it is nothing too valuable.)

May we also take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support during and leading up to SATs.

Some top 10 stress busters to help your child!

SATs and relaxation are two concepts that don’t exactly go hand-in-hand.
The pressure to do well can dampen the enjoyment of learning for all children, regardless of ability, and can induce anxiety and feelings of failure. This is why teachers underline the importance of taking time out to rest when children are studying for SATs.
From sporting activities to listening to music, there are many ways you can help your child relax. Try these top 10 stress busters:
  1. Just as important as agreeing a set time for your child to do revision each day is setting aside some time for your child to unwind and participate in activities they enjoy. So schedule regular breaks, which will help to motivate them.
  2. Especially important to your child’s ability to relax and get a decent night’s sleep is ensuring that they stop doing work at least an hour and a half before bedtime, otherwise their mind will be too active for sleep.
  3. As well as a comfortable study area stocked with stationery, set up a comfortable relaxation area, too. It can be filled with cushions and soft fabrics, with music and incense, and favourite toys and books.
  4. Take your child on plenty of walks during their breaks. They help stimulate the mind and a blast of air will really refresh their brain cells.
  5. Listen to your child’s worries and anxieties and encourage them to be open with you. Plenty of hugs, reassurance and positive encouragement will go a long way to helping them to relax.
  6. Help them to unwind at bedtime with plenty of relaxing bubble baths, soothing music and fun bedtime stories.
  7. Don’t give your child any sugary foods before bedtime. Hot milk is a great drink to help soothe and relax your child.
  8. On the actual SATs day, make sure they arrive at school in good time so they don’t feel rushed or stressed and give plenty of encouragement.
  9. Model positive language and behaviour – never talk about ‘pass’ or ‘fail’.
  10. Give your child something to look forward to after SATs, such as a day out or a special treat, regardless of their results.
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