SATs – So Almost Time… – Teaching Isn't B&W

With SATs starting on Monday, it’s time for all Y6 teachers to grab that giant gin glass and spend the weekend relaxing.

And as they relax, those 36384 questions will begin whirling round your head.

Did I remember to let everyone know their jobs?

What if I’ve forgotten to log a procedure?

Will any children call in sick?

What if I receive a moderation visit?

What if the reading paper is about a Spanish speaking cat….again?

It is inevitable that we find it hard to switch off – after all, it’s the most intense week of our year. So here are some handy hints to help both you, and the children:

You:

• Allow yourself to actually switch off this weekend. No work emails; put your laptop away; spend time, where possible, doing other things you really enjoy.

• Let yourself indulge. I find I crave everything I shouldn’t eat (and drink!) that weekend. I’ll only be more miserable on Monday morning if I’ve denied myself of treats I enjoy. (Except, I should probably take my gluten intolerance into more consideration…)

• Know that you are as prepared as can be. Spend that time after school Friday finalising what you need to, so you can switch off at the weekend. If moderation come, there should be no worries. It isn’t just down to you, but also SLT to ensure all evidence and procedures are complete and in place. Everyone will have done their job!

• BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! It’s so easy to let those niggling doubts creep in at this time of year. But you have done the best you can. You’ve trained those children to know what to expect and taught them everything possible before the week has begun! Know you have done everything in your power to make it an easy, stress-free week for your class.

• Visit your favourite place and people – my plan is to go to ‘He Says She Waffles’ for a big milkshake and savoury waffle! But this could be a walk, the local park or just some downtime with some close friends or family. Make time to do something you enjoy.

The Children:

There are two distinct types of classes (both of which I’ve taught).

1) The Class Who Are Blasé

This class don’t even realise that SATs are coming up. They barely acknowledge the tests and are already thinking ahead to the performance, or secondary school. Of course, there will be the few children in this class who are nervous for the tests but on the whole, the class are fizzing with energy that you hope they expend into their answers.

2) The Class Who Are Constantly Revising

This class all are very aware of how near the tests are and are conscious of using all the time left to them. They always keep asking for extra work, or wanting to know what they can improve on (improve on relaxing kids, you’ve got this!) in the few weeks before. A bit of nervous crying can happen, with some reassuring pep talks needed.

Obviously there will be classes where there is more of a mix, but generally the feeling of anxiety (I find!) either spreads like wildfire or stays contained to the children who feel it. With that in mind, there are a couple of things I like to do each year with my class before SATs begin:

• Write letters to their ‘future selves’. We do this either on their transition days, or at the start of Year 6 – they then get them back on the Friday before they start. Not only will this motivational letter give them advice from themselves, but it is a great tool for showing them how far they’ve come already!

• Give them ‘Smart Cookies’. Each child is baked a cookie (or 2, depending on class size!) with a message asking them to spend the weekend relaxing. It really brightens up their Friday and lets them know you’re thinking of them!

• Breakfast Mornings on SATs week. We are luckily continuing this at my current school. Each child is invited to come in for a sausage, bacon or veggie roll to make sure they have a good (if not all that healthy!) breakfast to start the day, as well as more time to adjust to school before they get going. Although, this should probably be a tip for teachers too, as I always find it improves my mornings too!

• Afternoon Activities. This will be more subjective to each teacher, but I don’t like to do revision at all during SATs week afternoons! We are going to be doing a mix of sport, artwork and craft (a lot of ideas have been bookmarked on Twitter!) to help the children unwind, release any pent up feelings and get rid of some of their energy!

• Plan a ‘Post SATs Trip. We’re going to Harry Potter Studios this year, to finish our topic (and had a thoroughly enjoyable planning trip!). TEN POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!