But I Smile Anyway…

Tomorrow there are a lot of young children aged 6-7 and 10-11 about to start their SATs at school.

For those not in the UK these are tests that are required to be taken to gauge children’s progress in Primary School.

Though I agree we need to see how children are doing, the world does not revolve around Grammar, Spelling, Writing, Reading and Maths… Many children do not have these 2 subjects as their strong points.

But the system tells us that using these results we can see if the children are learning, and progressing at the correct rate.

Really? What about that artist, or musician, or scientist even. That dancer, nurse, hairdresser, or vet? Each child is unique, and has a talent. It’s up to us to nurture that talent too.

I know we need to have an element of success in literacy and numeracy to succeed in most things, but the pressure put on children so young is immense. Children don’t learn or progress at the same level. They don’t all even learn in the same way. Many children are almost written off because these tests tell the government that these children are apparently below par.

It’s important as teachers, and as parents, that we instil the self confidence in our children to know that whatever these results, they are still brilliant at something. 

Many of these kids will pull it together, maybe later than others, but with the right encouragement, they will get there. And who should encourage them? Who should be their biggest cheerleaders? 

It’s us parents. Mums and dads. 

Don’t make them feel that these tests, and things like the 11+, are the be-all and end-all of school life… For some children, that negativity, and pushing to achieve something that might not be within their grasp, can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. 

Kaput! There goes the child’s thirst for learning….

Be there. Support your child. Give them all the help they need, and if, despite the help, they don’t achieve the scores you wanted them to, don’t berate them. Comfort them, and show them, high light their great points, because they do have them.

Boost their confidence, so they don’t feel like learning and school is worthless for them.

Tests.

Personally I really don’t like them, but I know they are a necessity. Just don’t let them and their scores rule your life. And the way you are with your child.

Good luck to those sitting them though! Unfortunately I can’t change that!