3 Simple Ways to Support Children's Well-Being During Tests and Exams

Next week, in England, it is SATs week!
It is also Mental Health Awareness Week… the irony is not lost on me!
 
For children and educators in England, this is an important time and it can be stressful for children, those who work in schools and parents.
 
‘SATs week’ is a defined week when (the majority of ) year 6 children in England take SATs (Standard Assessment Tests).  Although it is only year 6 who have to sit the tests in this particular week, year two children also take SATs at a time decided by the school.
 
Many schools also choose to do assessments for all year groups at this time – usually around the same time. So most children in primary schools in England will be experiencing some form of assessment at this time.
 
As someone who has experienced anxiety many times in life, one of my goals, is to equip people with strategies that can reduce anxiety and stress. This is one of my biggest motivators and I strongly believe in the power of sharing simple techniques that can ripple out to the people around us and the impact can be huge!
 
Here are my top three ways to support children (and adults too) during test time:

1. Acknowledge, validate and normalise all emotions! We are complex humans and I know from many years of teaching children and supporting my own, that the emotions that surface at test time are not always straightforward! A child may be experiencing waves of fear, worry, excitement, boredom, nervousness, pride, relief, anger, humiliation …. The list could go on. Helping children to name their emotions- and letting them know that these are natural, human responses to the situation- is so affirming and important. Reminding the child that they are not alone and that others feel this way too, is helpful. Perhaps sharing your own experiences and feelings of similar experiences that you have had- Kristin Neff calls this ‘common humanity’ and recognises it as an important aspect of self-compassion. Research shows that self-compassion  is an integral to our well-being.
   
2. Be curious about where the feelings are felt in the body and offer strategies for support. This promotes body awareness, which is so important as increased body awareness can lead to greater self-regulation (which again, is linked to well-being). Questions such as ‘Where do you feel that in your body?’ and ‘Can you describe what that feels like for you?’ can help you to support the child further. Lots of strategies are shared in this plan here.
   
3. Reassure the children that this is just a snapshot in time- I really love the affirmation ‘This will pass’. Reminding children that they are WAY more than a test score.
   

Unfortunately, we all experience times of stress. I believe that being with children during these times, validating their feelings, sharing useful tips and tools and also reminding them of what makes them special can be transformative.

If you would like the lesson plan that I have been using in schools to support children with this, you can get that here.

Is there something to do with children’s well-being that you would like me to talk about? Get in touch here [email protected]