EDUCATION

How To Prepare Your Child For The 11+ Exam

The 11+ exam can be a daunting prospect for children, and parents often feel overwhelmed when it comes to helping their kids prepare for it. But with the right strategies in place, you can give your child the best chance of success! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to prepare your child for the exam. Read on for helpful advice that will make the process a little less stressful!

What is The 11+ exam?

The 11+ exam is an entrance exam used by many secondary schools in England to select their students. The test is made up of a number of different sections, including English, Math, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. In order to pass the exam, children need to score highly in all areas.

How to help your child prepare for the exam

Familiarize your child with the exam format

One of the best ways to help your child prepare for the 11+ is to familiarise them with the exam format. This means going over each section of the test and discussing what will be expected of them. It’s also a good idea to look at past papers together so that your child can get a feel for the types of questions they will be asked. For instance, if they are struggling with a particular concept, you can focus on that area in your revision sessions. This also means that you can identify any areas where your child may need extra help.

If you are not familiar with the exam format yourself, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you to understand it. Alternatively, you could speak to a tutor or teacher who is experienced in helping children prepare for the 11+.

Making revision fun!

One of the challenges of helping your child revise for the 11+ is making it enjoyable! After all, this is a test that they will be sitting on, and it’s important to ensure that they don’t become overwhelmed or stressed out by the process. One way to make things more fun is to turn revision into a game. For instance, you could set up a ‘quiz night’ in which you test each other on different concepts. Or, you could make a revision timetable and offer rewards for each section that your child completes. This could be something as simple as letting them choose what they have for dinner or allowing them an extra half an hour of screen time.

It’s also important to remember that children learn in different ways. Some may prefer to sit down and read through their revision notes, while others may prefer to watch educational videos or use flashcards. Experiment with different methods until you find one that works best for your child.

Practice as much as possible

Of course, practicing is also key to success in the 11+ exam. There are a number of ways you can help your child practice at home, such as setting up mock exams or doing practice questions together. You can find 11+ exam papers online or in 11+ textbooks. It’s important to make sure that your child is doing a variety of different types of questions so that they don’t get stuck in a rut and start to find the whole process overwhelming. This will also help them to identify any areas where they need more work.

Make sure you create a studying schedule

One mistake that many parents make is trying to cram everything into the last few weeks before the exam. This is not an effective way to learn and can actually lead to your child feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Instead, you should create a studying schedule that breaks down the revision process into manageable chunks. This could be something as simple as setting aside 30 minutes each day for English revision and 45 minutes for Math.

It’s also important to make sure that there are regular breaks built into the schedule so that your child doesn’t get too bogged down. And, of course, it’s essential to stick to the plan as much as possible! If you do need to make changes, try to give your child as much notice as possible so that they can adjust their own Revision timetable accordingly.

Ensure that they are eating well

One of the most important things you can do to help your child prepare for the 11+ exam is to make sure that they are eating well. A healthy diet will give them the energy and focus they need to get through their revision sessions. It’s also important to make sure that they are staying hydrated, so encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

There are a few things you should avoid giving your child in the lead-up to the exam, such as sugary snacks or drinks which can cause an energy crash. Also, try to limit their caffeine intake, as this can make them feel anxious and jittery.

They have to sleep well

Getting enough sleep is also crucial for children revising for the 11+. A good night’s sleep will help them to retain information and focus during their revision sessions. Aim to have a regular bedtime in the weeks leading up to the exam so that your child is well rested.

You should also avoid letting them revise in bed, as this can make it harder for them to switch off at night. Instead, create a dedicated study space where they can work without distractions. And, of course, make sure that they take regular breaks so that they don’t become overwhelmed or burnt out.

Children feel stressed too! Give them help and support

It’s important to remember that children can feel just as stressed as adults when preparing for exams. They may not show it in the same way, but it’s important to be aware of the signs that they are feeling overwhelmed. These can include changes in mood or behaviour, difficulty sleeping, or a loss of interest in hobbies or activities that they used to enjoy.

If you think your child is starting to feel stressed, there are a few things you can do to help them. Firstly, make sure that you’re providing them with plenty of support and encouragement. Also, try to create a relaxed and positive environment at home where they can focus on their revision without feeling under pressure.

Hire a private tutor

One way to ease the pressure on your child is to hire a private tutor. A tutor can help them to focus their revision, identify any areas where they need more work, and build their confidence in the lead-up to the exam.

If you’re thinking of hiring a tutor, make sure you choose someone who is experienced in teaching the 11+. They should also be able to provide you with references from other parents whose children have benefited from their tutoring.

Hire a private tutor

The 11+ exam can be a daunting prospect for children, but with the right preparation and support to succeed. In this article, we have shared some tips on how to help your child prepare for the exam. These include familiarizing them with the format of the test, practicing as much as possible, creating a revision schedule, and ensuring that they are eating well and getting enough sleep. We have also advised against cramming in the last few weeks before the exam and stressed the importance of keeping a positive attitude. Finally, we suggest hiring a private tutor if you feel your child needs additional help.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be giving your child the best possible chance of success in the 11+. Good luck!

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