Top tips to take the stress out of SATs

As summer draws closer and spirits begin to soar, the same can't be said for those seven and eleven-year-olds who'll be facing their SATs, which is why it's handy to know what you can do to help your kids prepare

Kerry McDonagh, an Acting Deputy Head teacher, has some top tips that will help make the SATs season as stress-free as possible:

Make sure that the house is quiet during revision periods. If there's lots of distraction elsewhere, the chances are your kids will be far more interested in that.

Remember it's important for kids to vary their activity - punctuate revision sessions with regular breaks. Short walks in the fresh air help to stimulate brain cells.

Kids will mirror your behaviour - model positive language and you'll encourage them to think and act positively.

Get stuck in together. Switching between visual, auditory and kinaesthetic (where we take place in a physical activity) learning styles will accelerate the speed and quality of their learning.

To bring out the best learner in kids, it's important to understand that their brains are 75 per cent water. When they're not properly hydrated their brains won't function at its optimum level.

'Children don't always drink enough - they are easily distracted by other activities or simply don't like what's on offer and even mild dehydration can lead to poor concentration and reduced memory,' explains dietitian Julie Dean.

'Remember that we lose water continually, even by breathing! So, while kids are busy preparing for exams make sure to keep them properly hydrated with a drink they enjoy, and which they're likely to drink more of.'

Kerry McDonagh, Acting Deputy Head at St Mary's Primary School, Nottingham, has teamed up with Fruit Shoot, the best-selling kids' juice drink which is sugar-free with no artificial colours or flavours. Visit www.fruitshoot.com for more information.