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
This is such a great post-it’s so nice to read about someone already doing homeschooling. I plan on being in charge of my own son’s education and, though he is only a year old, I often find myself practicing different teaching methods. I LOVE for things to be child-led. My son is sooooo interested when I’m doing the dishes. So, I bring him over, and we name the different utensils and bowls and plates, and he just has a great time. It’s important to make learning fun for sure.
I really love your test tips as well. I remember the anxiety I would feel in high school when it was test time. It was absolutely awful and, many times, my brain would go completely blank during a test no matter how much I studied! Thanks so much for sharing <3
I’m a librarian and our summer reading challenge this year is Roald Dahl themed – we are having a blast! I have taken it home to my kids too. It’s such a gift – so much to learn from! So much fun!
I might try the sweet thing with my own kids – though not sure how many would end up in the water before Ethan sneakily gobbled them up!
Ah thank you! You have just reminded me to get to the library and sign up for the reading challenge. Thank you x