SATs week is just around the corner, and if you’re a parent of a Year 6 child, you might be wondering how best to support them in these final crucial weeks. The good news? There’s still plenty of time to help them feel prepared, confident, and even (dare we say it) excited about their SATs! In this blog, we’ll go through some practical, stress-free ways to make the most of this time.
1. Setting Realistic Goals for the Last Few Weeks
First things first, no panic needed! The key to effective revision is setting realistic and manageable goals. Trying to cover absolutely everything at this stage can feel overwhelming, so let’s focus on what will make the biggest impact.
Top Tips for Goal Setting:
- Pinpoint tricky topics – Sit down with your child and go through their past papers or schoolwork. Are there specific areas they find tough? Focus on those first.
- Keep goals small and achievable – Instead of saying, “We’ll revise Maths today”, try “Let’s practise converting fractions for 20 minutes”.
- Use a countdown planner – Create a simple timetable leading up to SATs week, mixing different subjects and plenty of breaks.
- Make time for review – It’s not just about learning new things; going over past mistakes and re-practising questions is just as important.
2. Prioritising Weak Areas with Targeted Practice
By now, your child will have a good idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Rather than revising everything, encourage them to focus on the areas that need the most improvement.
How to Identify Weak Spots:
- Look at mock test results and see which types of questions they got wrong.
- Ask their teacher for feedback, most schools provide detailed insights.
- Use free online SATs quizzes to see where they struggle.
Making Revision Engaging:
Let’s be honest, revision isn’t always the most exciting activity. But with a bit of creativity, it can be much more enjoyable! Here are some fun ways to keep your child engaged:
For Maths:
- Turn it into a game – Use apps like Hit the Button or online SATs question generators.
- Real-world maths – Get them to calculate the cost of items while shopping or work out the time it takes to cook dinner.
- Use visuals – Diagrams and drawings can make tricky concepts (like fractions or angles) much easier to grasp.
For English (Reading & SPAG):
- Story challenge – Give them a silly sentence and challenge them to improve it using top-tier vocabulary and punctuation.
- Find the mistake – Write a paragraph with errors and see if they can spot them (you can even include some deliberately funny ones!).
- Quick-fire quizzes – Play a ‘SPAG showdown’ where you ask grammar-related questions, and they have to answer as fast as possible.
3. The Role of Mock Tests and How to Use Them Effectively
Mock tests might not sound like the most thrilling activity, but they are a great way to prepare for SATs. They help your child get used to the exam format, practise working under timed conditions, and build their confidence.
How to Make the Most of Mock Tests:
- Recreate exam conditions – Find a quiet space, set a timer, and let them work through a past SATs paper without distractions.
- Review answers together – Go through the questions afterwards and discuss any mistakes. The goal isn’t just to correct them but to understand why they got them wrong.
- Encourage self-reflection – Ask your child, “Which questions did you find the hardest?” and “What would help make them easier?” This helps them take ownership of their learning.
- Build test stamina – If sitting through an entire paper feels too much, break it down into sections and gradually increase the length of practice sessions.
Final Tips for a Productive SATs Countdown
As the big day approaches, remember revision doesn’t have to mean long, boring hours stuck at a desk. Here are some last-minute pointers to keep things running smoothly:
- Mix things up – A combination of written practice, discussion, and interactive learning keeps things interesting.
- Encourage short, frequent breaks – Research shows that our brains retain more information when learning is spread out.
- Stay positive – Confidence is key! Celebrate progress, even the small wins.
- Keep perspective – SATs are important, but they don’t define your child’s abilities or future. The most important thing is their effort and attitude.
By following these tips, your child will walk into their SATs feeling well-prepared and ready to give it their best shot. You’ve got this, and so do they!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours should my child revise each day?
It depends on your child’s focus levels, but around 30 to 60 minutes of revision each day is a good balance. Make sure they take regular breaks to avoid burnout.
What if my child is feeling anxious about SATs?
Reassure them that SATs are just one part of their education. Encourage deep breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and plenty of breaks to keep stress levels low.
Should I be giving my child extra homework on top of their schoolwork?
Not necessarily. Instead, focus on targeted practice in areas where they need improvement, rather than overwhelming them with additional work.
What happens if my child doesn’t do well in their SATs?
SATs are just a snapshot of your child’s progress. Schools use them to assess learning, but they do not determine future success. Focus on effort rather than results.
Are past papers the best way to revise?
Past papers are useful, but they should be balanced with other revision methods like games, discussions, and interactive activities to keep learning engaging.
