How can I prepare my child for entering Key Stage 2?

A child's journey through education is full of new experiences and excitement - children love to learn and discover new things! Moving from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2 is an important step, and will bring with it a huge change to the way that children experience learning in schools. While some students may feel nervous about this chage, it is important that they realise what an opportunity it brings so here are our tips to help your child preprare to enter Key Stage 2.

Prepare them for homework
If your child's school introduces homework at Key Stage 2, it is a good idea to make sure your child is well-prepared to manage the extra work.

The idea of doing schoolwork at home can be unpopular with children, so sit down with them at first to help them through it, and establish a regular homework time so it becomes routine. Of course, this is something that Kumon students will already be used to and able to deal with efficiently!

Get them used to tests
Key Stage 2 will be the second time that your child will be tested in exam conditions, after sitting their SATs at the end of Year 2. Year 6 SATs may create more pressure for your child, since they may need certain results to get into their secondary school of choice. To prepare your child for sitting their SATs in Year 6, make sure they are accustomed to answering questions in silent, exam conditions. This will help them focus and be comfortable when the important day comes! Many students find that the quiet, focused environment of a Kumon centre is an excellent way to 'warm up' - allowing students to develop their test-taking skills as well as their maths and English!

Offer them lots of encouragement
Making the transition to Key Stage 2 is a big leap for children - they will now be studying harder material, and have more responsibility in their learning. Ensure that your child know how well they are doing by giving them plenty of encouragement. By reassuring them that they are doing well, you will incresase the child's self-confidence and help them to face new challenges head-on. Kumon Instructors 

The Kumon Maths and English Programmes are useful tools, not just for boosting your child's academic abilities but also for helping them develop the 'soft skills' that help young learners to succeed in education. Click here to find your closest centre and see for yourself how Kumon can help your child develop.