As a parent, it’s natural to want to support your child in doing their best, especially when it comes to significant milestones like the SATs. The Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) can feel overwhelming for many primary school children, and as a parent, you might be wondering how best to help. Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways you can make this journey smoother and more manageable. Below, we’ve rounded up seven tried-and-tested strategies to boost your child’s SATs performance in 2024.
1. Create a Consistent Study Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to preparing for the SATs. Children thrive on routines, so setting a regular study schedule can help them feel more confident and prepared. Try to avoid long, overwhelming study sessions and instead break things down into smaller, manageable chunks.
For instance, focusing on different subjects on different days of the week can keep things varied and maintain your child’s interest. Encourage them to spend 20-30 minutes a day revising key topics, whether that’s maths, reading, or spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG). This regular practice helps to reinforce learning and reduce the chances of last-minute cramming.
2. Use Online Resources for Extra Practice
The internet is packed with fantastic resources to help your child prepare for the SATs. From interactive games to worksheets and past papers, there’s something for every type of learner. Websites like BBC Bitesize offer SATs-specific revision materials that are fun and engaging, making learning feel less like a chore.
You can also find plenty of practice papers online, which are invaluable for familiarising your child with the format of the tests. By working through these, your child will not only practise answering questions under timed conditions but will also become more comfortable with the kinds of questions they can expect on the day.
3. Focus on Weak Areas but Celebrate Strengths
Every child has areas they find more challenging. Identifying these early on allows you to target revision sessions effectively. Whether it’s fractions in maths or inference in reading comprehension, once you’ve pinpointed the areas of difficulty, you can spend extra time helping your child improve.
However, it’s equally important to celebrate their strengths. A balanced approach keeps your child motivated and reminds them of what they are good at. Celebrate their victories, whether it’s getting a tricky maths question right or reading a whole page without stumbling. Encouragement goes a long way in boosting their confidence and keeping them engaged.
4. Keep It Fun with Creative Learning
Revision doesn’t have to be boring! Injecting a little creativity into learning can make a big difference. If your child is a visual learner, try using colourful flashcards for spelling or maths. For kinaesthetic learners, hands-on activities like building models to understand shapes and spaces in maths can be very effective.
You can even make a game out of SATs revision. For example, you could have a ‘spelling bee’ to test key words or use a timer for quick-fire maths questions, turning learning into a challenge. The goal is to make revision enjoyable, which in turn reduces anxiety and helps your child retain information better.
5. Encourage Good Reading Habits
Strong reading skills are critical for success in the SATs, especially when it comes to comprehension and vocabulary. Encourage your child to read daily—this could be anything from storybooks to newspapers or even comic strips. The more varied the material, the better, as this exposes them to different writing styles and broadens their understanding of language.
You can also read together. Ask questions about the text to test their understanding and encourage them to think critically. For example, “Why do you think the character did that?” or “What do you think might happen next?” This not only improves their comprehension skills but also their ability to analyse text, which is a crucial part of the reading SATs papers.
6. Teach Time Management Skills
During the SATs, time management is crucial. Children need to be able to pace themselves during the test to ensure they have time to complete all the questions. Practising with past papers is a great way to help your child develop this skill.
When working through these papers, encourage your child to stick to the time limits for each section. If they finish early, remind them to check their answers. Over time, they’ll learn how to manage their time effectively, reducing the stress of running out of time during the actual exam.
7. Maintain a Healthy Balance
While academic success is important, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance between study and play. Children need time to relax and unwind to avoid burnout. Ensure your child is getting plenty of exercise, fresh air, and time away from their books.
A healthy diet is also crucial—food rich in nutrients will help keep your child’s brain sharp and ready for learning. Encourage them to drink plenty of water and get a good night’s sleep, especially in the days leading up to the SATs.
Make sure to check in with how your child is feeling emotionally as well. The pressure of exams can sometimes be overwhelming, so open conversations about how they’re doing can help relieve stress. Remind them that SATs are just one part of their education and that all you ask is for them to try their best.
How Tutoring can help
A tutor can be a tremendous asset in helping your child prepare for their SATs. With one-on-one attention, a tutor can tailor lessons to your child’s specific needs, identifying areas where they may struggle and providing focused support. Tutors are also skilled at explaining concepts in different ways, ensuring that your child fully grasps key topics. Moreover, a tutor can introduce effective study techniques, build confidence, and keep your child motivated. The added structure and personalised guidance can make a significant difference in their understanding and performance, ultimately helping to boost their SATs scores.
Final Thoughts
Helping your child prepare for their SATs doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. By following these seven strategies—creating a consistent study routine, using online resources, focusing on weak areas, keeping learning fun, encouraging reading, teaching time management, and maintaining a healthy balance—you’ll be giving them the best possible chance of success.
Remember, confidence is half the battle! With your support and encouragement, your child will be well-prepared and ready to tackle their SATs in 2024 with a positive mindset.
For more information on the SATs format and to access practice papers, visit the official Gov UK education page.