Today has been a busy day of learning

We started the morning with some Sweetie Science

We conducted an experiment to see which sweets would float

And which would sink

We observed each of our selected sweets in still and sparkling water

We recorded our general observations

And made a chart of floaters and sinkers

We will be revisiting this experiment

Adding hot water into the mix

And we are going to try and be more scientific with our methods

Today was all about inspiration and magic

Today was about awe and wonder

To kick start our topic off

Esther and William have fallen in love with the stories of Roald Dahl

Tomorrow night I am taking them to the West End production

Of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

So our Sweetie Science has been inspired by that

The thing I love about home educating

Is that we are free to do this

Choose a topic or a book we are passionate about

And base all our learning around it

Whether it be for one month, one week or just one day

There is no way in Reception at school

They would be reading Roald Dahl

And investigating Archimedes and water displacement

To the level that we are able to do it at home

Having said that we do not home educate because we hate school

I am a teacher

I love teaching

I am certain one day I will return to the classroom

Or have a small private school of my own!

I know that schools do amazing things with children of all ages

I know that teachers make a difference

And I think at some point our children will return to the school system

If and when we find a school that is right for them

David and I have talked about lots of different plans

Ultimately as Esther and William grow the decision will be theirs to make

If you ask William he does not ever want to go to school

Esther rather likes the idea of secondary school

I think there are times when a transition to school would be easier than others

The beginning of Year 3 if returning to a local school

The beginning of Year 5 if going into a private school to prepare for a particular secondary

The beginning of Year 7 if going straight from home to key stage 3

Or the beginning of Year 9 if going to a school that offers entrance after sitting a 13+ examination

There are many points when I think

If they choose to

Esther and / or William could return to school

At the moment though we are committed to

And having lots of fun exploring the idea of

Education at home

For many families

The school year is coming to a close

School staff and students are looking forward to a well earned break

Parents are looking forward to holidays

And quality family time

Parents will also be thinking about the next school year

About how they might help their children prepare

Especially if exams, SATs or entrance tests are on the horizon

There is much that we as parents can do for our children facing assessments

Whether our children attend school or not

Here are some top tips for preparing for tests

Written with entrance examinations in mind

(Based on the school where we think our children might apply to attend)

Set Targets and Make a Plan
It is never too early to set targets and make a plan. At the moment in my mind I think Esther and William will probably aim to attend this particular local school. I know that there will be two entry options at either age 11 or age 13. I know that the tests will include English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning. I know that for the 11+ there are past papers available and I know for the 13+ there are not. I do know what the make up of the 13+ exam will be like though. For example, I know that a secure level 6 (old NC) would be needed to stand a chance of passing. Therefore I know that I am aiming for that level by that age. With English I know that I need to help Esther and William develop a good level of reading comprehension and a good command of written English as well as some skills in creative writing. I also know in my heart that all the learning we do every day will be leading them toward this goal and beyond as well as making them confident and creative problem solvers with a true love of learning.

Make Learning Fun
It is all too easy to pile on the pressure when it comes to pass marks and test scores. Try to remember our children are children and they will learn far more and far more easily when the experience is fun. Spelling practice can be practical, maths can be creative and science can be sweet. Learning could and should be fun!

Short, Intense Bursts
Break learning up into a series of short activities with a clear focus. Have a timetable so that you and the children know what is happening. Mix up intense written sessions with standing up, moving about practical learning.

Super Self Esteem
As well as working on achievements focus on attitude and confidence. Ensure your children know their best is always good enough for you. Make sure they know that you love them no matter what, that they are amazing no matter what.

Past Papers
If it is possible to get past papers then do. Knowing the format of the test is really helpful. Spending time reading and discussing test papers is time well spent. Think about how questions are worded, look at mark schemes together if you can. Complete a paper for your child to assess. If you do not feel confident doing this test preparation with your children then you could consider engaging an experienced tutor. Someone who can assess your child, set focused work matched to their needs and the make up of the exam. Someone who might use test questions to make quiz games, make resources such as match the right answer to the correct question. Someone who could look at the upcoming assessment and your children with fresh, yet knowing eyes.

Mock Tests
Set up mock tests so that children can get used to test conditions including timings and not being able to ask for help. This could be a time to invite in a tutor to set the test and then go through it afterwards setting new targets and making a new plan for learning.

School or no school tests and assessments are now a part of educational life

And if we want our children to take them and pass them

Then we must help them prepare

This is a collaborative post