In May every year, many 11 year old children will sit exams known as SATS. This is what the satsguide.co.uk says about these exams...
"Key Stage 2; SATs take place in May and are far more formal than Key Stage 1, hence they seem much more stressful! The tests which are taken in year 6 cover the three core subjects, English, Maths and Science. Very bright children may be assessed by teachers to see if they can reach higher levels. The papers are sent away to be marked with results being available before your child leaves primary school in July.”
The words HENCE THEY SEEM MUCH MORE STRESSFUL saddens me so deeply. With our fast paced, technologically focused modern world, we seem to fully accept that being a child involves experiencing stress within the education system. Well, I don’t accept that. I believe we should be able to have an education system and social system that nurtures a child’s spirit rather than putting them under the stress and pressure of a week of exams (sometimes morning and afternoon). And please recognise that I am not criticising the schools or the many amazing teachers that devote their lives to helping children learn. It is the model of education that needs to change.
And, no matter who we are, what we do, or whether we have children, we can all hold the consciousness and intention for a nourishing, inspiring and joyful education system. We are at a time in our human development where our norms are changing… daily…. oftentimes faster that we can keep track of. This can feel like we are running just to keep up. But that is an illusion. We are all creating our reality with each thought, each breath and each conscious action. Let's create a reality that we want to live within, that we want our children to live within. You are so much more powerful than you understand.
Also, if your children don’t already do the Daily Energy Routine, then it is a wonderful way to help them .
The most important thing about doing the Daily Energy Routine with children is to make it FUN! Otherwise it is a rigid routine that they are enduring, rather than a series of exercises that can balance their energy, help remove stresses from their system and connect them deeply to their joy. Do it with music on, or race each other to see who can do it the fastest. Ask your child which exercise they love, and which they don’t. What could you change about that specific exercise that would make it more enjoyable for them?
Bringing consciousness to these energy exercises makes them work at deeper and deeper levels.
With love, Prune