Post SATs – #letourkidsbekids


Finally, Friday is here!!!

Friday the 13th may be unlucky for some, but for the vast majority of 10-11 year olds it will be a great day indeed!

The first day at school in a long time where they won’t have the weight of SATs hanging over them.

I know the staff at our school really supported the children, and they couldn’t have had better back up throughout this whole experience.

I saw one teacher at the end and said “You can breathe now!”

She replied “We were always breathing, Ritu!” 

I take this to mean that though there was pressure, immense pressure, on all, not just on the kids, but on the teachers also, to perform, there was an element of belief, that our kids would be OK, no matter what. The calmness with which they have been preparing the kids means that though there were wobbles through this tough time of testing, the kids were pretty stable.

Maybe I felt it more, looking from a teachers perspective, but also as a parent. I saw the effects of these tests on one individual who is more precious to me than anything.

Yesterday there was relief, but by the evening he was quiet, so quiet. Like a deep exhaustion had set in. I asked if he was ok, anything bothering him? He couldn’t even answer. “I don’t know, mum. I don’t know how I feel…”

Today they aren’t having a pyjama day, but spending a whole day outdoors in the park, doing physical and creative activities. A world away from the tests and preparations of the last few weeks. A perfect day for my sporty Lil Man!

I truly hope they can enjoy being kids again!!!

I’m not in school today either, with a family wedding to attend.

Have a blessed Friday Peeps!

#letourkidsbekids

17 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. joey
    May 14, 2016 @ 17:09:49

    I’m relieved for them.
    I believe you and I have discussed the over-testing that goes on these days. I’m seeing more and more parents opt out, and reading encouraging articles about the importance of play and discovery.
    It truly makes me wonder why we don’t have EDUCATORS in charge of things in the educational systems. Any teacher worth her salt knows the value of play.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. neelwritesblog
    May 13, 2016 @ 17:19:30

    There is a palpable sense of relief and why not, sis! Both mum and Lil Man need the much deserved rest and then for kids, what better outlet than physical activities.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. D. Wallace Peach
    May 13, 2016 @ 17:15:59

    So much pressure. It seems everyone survived 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Charles Yallowitz
    May 13, 2016 @ 12:01:45

    Enjoy the day and the weekend. Glad to hear everything is over. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Erika Kind
    May 13, 2016 @ 10:14:11

    I am so glad it is over and of course, this all is still working within him. The stress is over but now he might be pondering how he did. It is a good thing that they can definitely breathe now, play and slowly put the weight down. Enjoy the wedding, Sis!

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Chris White
    May 13, 2016 @ 08:59:50

    Isn’t it strange how physical and creative activities are considered to be a treat though. They should be the norm of course. Well done to your son for coping.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Ritu
      May 13, 2016 @ 09:48:49

      So true Chris. .. still he coped as you said. I’m a very proud mum. Results don’t matter!😊

      Like

      Reply

      • Chris White
        May 13, 2016 @ 10:43:03

        When I was 17 I took 3 A levels. I just scraped through with three ‘E’ grades.
        I thought my dad would be disappointed with the low grades. Quite the opposite reaction though … ‘ You have 3 ‘A’ levels .This is fantastic. Who cares about the grades.’ I know you have that same true feeling with your son.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Ritu
        May 13, 2016 @ 11:09:13

        Absolutely! He’s always a star in my eyes 😊

        Like

  7. walkerkaty0
    May 13, 2016 @ 08:00:19

    So happy to hear that all the testing is finally done and that Lil Man can be himself again.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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