How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for KS1 SAT’s Now

We are once again entering the exam season in schools.  This testing starts with the phonics test in year 1 and continues with Key Stage 1 (KS1) SAT’s for Year 2 (7 year olds) in May.  Many believe testing at this young age is crazy. But unfortunately the tests are here.  However as parents there are ways to enable your child to take these tests in their stride. We can help with KS1 SAT’s preparation.

Firstly  don’t make a big deal about them.  My daughter’s school just refer to doing some work in special booklets. This hopefully stops the children from worrying about it.

If you choose to do some preparation at home there are many things that you can do to familiarise your child with the papers.  I am lucky in that Erin adores doing work and happily  sits down to play schools. Coming from a teaching background I have found the resources that make learning fun.  The following are products I recommend and have used myself.

Resources for success

• There are practice papers available which are great as they are the same format as what the children will sit. They are also beneficial for parents who wish to see what is expected of their child KS1 Maths and English SATS Practice Papers (updated for the 2017 tests).
• If your child needs some support coming up with ideas for stories then The Creativity Hub Rory’s Story Cubes are great.  Simply roll the dice and take turns making up stories using the prompts.  For many starting a story, or thinking of the who, what where’s and when’s are the issue these prompts will give the needed support.
• If you are looking for quick fun activities the BrainBox – Maths are great.  They are cards with question on a topic eg fractions.  Erin has these and we often do them as she goes to bed.
• When Erin has new stationery she will always write me letters  this Crayola – 74 Piece Stationery Set would be her preferred choice.  That and some Smiggle goodies!
• Educational Apps also really help with consolidating learning.

These resources will undoubtedly help your child whether you agree with SAT’s or not.  The main thing is to play them down. Ensure that school remains a place where your child wants to be.  My Erin will know she is doing some special work. Of course I want her to do well and showcase her talents but it is just a snapshot in time. Being prepared though is no bad thing.  You wouldn’t go to a driving test without practising, you wouldn’t go to a dance competition or show without practising.  Practising for SAT’s can actually play them down and take away any notion of worry as the children will know exactly what to expect.

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