Pivotal points in a child’s education exist all over the world. Countries on most every continent have in place standardized tests to measure the ability of each and every student. Do well on these few exams and doors open up to the perspective students in colleges and universities all over the world. In the United States, the SAT style exam is typically given to high school students in their sophomore and junior years. Across the pond in England, kids take the Standardized Assessment Tests over different periods of time during their academic development. Thus the motivation used by teachers to propel their students to success can vary from the ones used in America.
Education over in England is in the practice of using these evaluations at the end of years two, six, and nine. To put this in perspective, the average age of a child at the end of year six would be eleven years old. Quite a lot of pressure to have to deal with at such a tender time. Teachers realize this and seek to alleviate some of the stress so that the subjects perform up to their potential. One teacher, Mrs.Thom, took this to an entirely new level with her list of final recommendations to assist her students in the last weekend before the exam.
Vocabulary, math skills, and reading typically exhaust the logical processes in the brain for adults. Imagine trying to pack every iota of information into a young person’s head. Mrs. Thom realized that all of this work would be for naught if they were too tired to perform. Her recommendation was to do what people at that age do the best. Be a child was the message on a list of last weekend activities before the big day. Sunshine and exercise recharge the batteries of anyone. Joy and laughter allow stress to melt away. Ice cream or candy is no problem for a nibble at the reward for the big day. Only one condition for the Buckleberry Primary School students of hers was on it. Only one hour of studying is allowed in anticipation of the big day.
Appreciation of this teacher’s efforts can be seen by parents that took to social media. 60,000 shares with over 70,000 likes just on Facebook alone. Parents are very busy with children rearing so when they get a quality educator at their school, it is a difference maker in the lives of everyone involved. Finally, a letter of positive reinforcement also came home with the checklist of fun activities. Work hard and the results will come is the message. We are proud of you no matter what score you achieve on the upcoming exam is priceless to the confidence of a young adult.
Academic achievement during the formative years of a child can open doors to great careers. Standardized testing is an effective method of measuring the ability and work a student puts in their education. These are important stepping stones but the path through childhood should be cherished. With educators like Mrs. Thom, students can achieve success and at the same time revel in a most wonderful time in their lives.