SATs: Thrive with Activities for Stress Relief
The SATs are back! Are you worried that your child will find this experience challenging? Never fear, we’re here with our top tips to help children de-stress and focus. From getting outside to eating stimulating brain food - let’s help them thrive this SATs week!
Why we shouldn’t worry about the SATS
Take the pressure off and understand the reasons why we should keep calm about SATs week.
It’s important to remember that the SATs are a measure of your child’s schooling so far. They are a tool for the government to understand the national landscape of children’s learning and assess the national curriculum.
They will not, as some SATs myths suggest, affect your child’s secondary school admission, the sets they are placed in secondary school or the activities they will have to do for the remainder of Year 6.
SATs are an opportunity for your child to experience their first exams in a safe and nurturing environment. This is great practice for the step up to secondary school, where testing is much more frequent.
They can also be seen as a right of passage for Year 6 pupils, marking the culmination of many years of hard work through their primary school. Once the SATs are over, many schools plan residential trips, sports events, and put on theatre productions for children to enjoy, with the exams out of the way.
Stress Relief Tips for Year 2 & Year 6 SATs
Even though we can reassure our children that they shouldn’t get stressed, that doesn’t mean they won’t experience pre-exam nerves and anxiety. Every child is different, and sometimes nerves can hit when you least expect them.
Here are some top tips to help your children thrive during SATs week:
SATs Breakfast
Our brains need the best kind of fuel during exams. It’s especially important to have breakfast - in fact, your school may run a breakfast club especially for the exams. Not only will your child get some good nutrients in their system, but it also gives them time to talk with their friends and feel calm before the exams start.
SATs Week Brain Food
Include ingredients in your evening meals or after-school snacks this week to boost brain power:
Post-school snack – Apple slices with peanut butter dip. Nuts are a great brain food containing lots of healthy fats and protein per serving. Peanut butter is a tasty way to get these nutrients and is easy to dip into with slices of apple. Fresh fruit is the best way to provide a sugar boost rather than a chocolate bar.
Evening meal – Fish, eggs and greens. These ingredients may not appear on the favourite food list of many 10-year-olds, but they all contain vital vitamins for keeping the brain functioning at its best. Try an omelette with smoked salmon and broccoli on the side, a tuna salad with a boiled egg and green beans, or sardines on toast with crispy kale.
Drinks – water or green tea. Avoid high-energy, sugary drinks. Make sure your child is drinking plenty of water, as a dehydrated brain can struggle to function. Green tea is a good option for boosting concentration whilst providing healthy antioxidants.
Get into nature
Spend some time outside each afternoon. If you’re able, head to a green space such as a park or woodland walk. Take time to listen and notice the plants, birds and nature around you. This is a great way for your whole family to stay grounded and have a break from the classroom or work.
Family exercise
Whether you walk, run, bike, swim or stretch, exercise will make everyone feel good. Get those positive endorphins running through your child’s body at the end of the day so that they can wind down and sleep well when bedtime arrives.
Time to talk
Schedule some time with your child each afternoon following the exams. Encourage them to talk about how they're feeling and what they need from you. Try to listen uninterrupted and help them address any worries or concerns.
Sleep
A good bedtime routine will help your child get the sleep they need. Read together and avoid screen time in the hour before bed. Have everything ready for the morning and aim to be in bed before 9 pm.
And of course celebrate!
Plan something fun to do together when the exams are over. Go see a movie, have a meal out or take a trip somewhere at the weekend. It’s great to have this booked in the diary so that no matter how tough the week may feel, there is the promise of fun times at the end. Relax and enjoy - you will have both earned it!
For more support throughout the SATs and your child’s journey into secondary school, look no further than Explore Learning’s award-winning tuition. Visit one of our local learning centres or attend a trial session online to find out more.
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