Taking the 11plus exam can seem like a hurdle to your precious one. This article, “What Are The Best Ways To Prepare My Child For The 11plus Exam?” offers you a wealth of beneficial pointers and insightful strategies that can give your child the confidence to conquer this monumental educational milestone. Is your child feeling under-prepared or overwhelmed? This serves as a comprehensive guide to help smooth their path, reduce the stress, and support them every step of the way.
Understanding the 11plus Exam
The first step in preparing for the 11plus exam is understanding what it’s all about. This test is designed to determine a child’s readiness for secondary education at a grammar school. It’s traditionally sat in the final year of primary school, putting your child around the age of 11 when they take the exam—hence the name 11plus.
Basics of the 11plus Exam
This selective entrance examination generally tests students in three areas: English and verbal reasoning, Mathematics, and Non-verbal reasoning. The format and structure of the paper can differ between regions and schools, so it’s vital to familiarise yourself with the specifics of the exam your child will take.
Importance of the 11plus Exam
The 11plus exam is pretty essential if you’re hoping for your child to gain entry into a grammar school. It helps selective schools identify students who can benefit from a more academically focused education. However, the importance of this exam goes beyond just grammar school entrance—it also develops children’s thinking abilities and problem-solving skills.
Subjects Covered in the 11plus Exam
Generally, the 11plus exam covers English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. English papers assess a child’s comprehension and creative writing skills. Mathematics tests basic arithmetic, shape recognition, and reasoning with numbers. Verbal Reasoning checks kids’ ability to understand and think about text, while Non-verbal Reasoning measures their ability to analyse visual information and solve problems.
Familiarising Your Child with the Exam Format
Knowing the contents and structure of the exam can go a long way in helping your child prepare effectively.
Understanding the Question Types
The 11plus exam has a mixture of question types, including multiple-choice, free-text responses, and problem-solving. Nurturing understanding of all these types and practicing them can make the difference in the exam.
Exam Timing
Another crucial factor is time management. Emphasise the importance of timing to your child. They need to understand that they have a finite amount of time and must balance this across all the questions.
How Is the Exam Scored?
The scoring system of the 11plus exam can vary. Sometimes raw scores are used, at times it’s adjusted scores and percentiles, and occasionally, age-standardised scores. Familiarising your child and yourself with the specifics for your area can help set realistic expectations.
Deciding on a Preparation Approach
Choosing the adequate prep method is essential and will largely depend on the child’s learning style and available resources.
Self-Study at Home
A dedicated and disciplined child may fare well with a self-study approach. You can support this by providing relevant study materials and creating a study-friendly environment.
Professional Tutoring
If your child needs more structured help, consider professional tutoring. They provide personalised lessons and can help identify areas for improvement.
Preparatory Courses
These packaged courses provide comprehensive material covering all aspects of the exam. They often include examples, practice tests, and techniques for tackling different question types.
Designing a Study Schedule
An efficient study schedule can make a significant difference.
Creating a Consistent Study Routine
Consistency is key in success. Having scheduled study times can provide structure and ease anxiety as the exam day approaches.
Balancing Core Subjects
It’s vital to allocate study time for each subject, not favouring one over another.
Incorporating Breaks and Rest
Remember, breaks and adequate sleep are as important as studying itself. It ensures your child remains fresh and engaged.
Improving Vocabulary and Verbal Reasoning Skills
Building vocabulary and reasoning abilities can boost your child’s performance.
Reading Regularly
Reading widens vocabulary and comprehension skills. Encourage reading a variety of texts—novels, newspapers, or poems.
Playing Word Games
Word games are a fun, interactive way to enhance vocabulary and spelling skills. Consider crosswords, word search puzzles, or Scrabble.
Practicing Verbal Reasoning Test Papers
Regular practice using past papers can help familiarise your child with question types and improve answering speed.
Boosting Mathematical Skills
Solid Maths skills are vital for success in the 11plus exam.
Using Maths Educational Resources
Educational resources can be of great help. There are dedicated Mathematics textbooks, online resources, and educational apps.
Practising Mental Arithmetic
Mental arithmetic improves mathematical agility. Make this regular practice.
Solving Maths Practice Papers
Like verbal reasoning, Math practice papers can help your child familiarise themselves with the exam types and help overcome their fears.
Enhancing Non-Verbal Reasoning Abilities
Non-verbal reasoning plays a critical role in the 11plus exam.
Teaching Spatial and Patterning Skills
Many of the non-verbal reasoning questions are about spotting patterns and understanding shapes. Help your child by playing related games or using learning resources.
Utilising Non-Verbal Reasoning Workbooks
There are many great workbooks available for non-verbal reasoning. They contain a variety of exercises that can significantly help your child.
Engaging in Logical Puzzles
Logical games and puzzles can be a fun way to sharpen the non-verbal reasoning abilities of your child.
Helping with Exam Stress Management
Exam stress can affect performance. Teaching your child to manage it is essential.
Teaching Relaxation Techniques
Techniques such as controlled breathing, visualization, or meditation can help your child relax and stay calm.
Setting Realistic Study Goals
Setting unreachable goals can lead to frustration. Encourage your child to set achievable study targets.
Maintaining Open Communication
Openly discussing the exam and associated fears can alleviate any undue pressure your child might be feeling.
Conducting Mock Tests
Mock tests serve as a valuable practice tool.
Benefits of Mock Tests
Mock tests can help your child experience real exam conditions, thus lowering anxiety and increasing confidence.
How Often Should You Conduct Mock Tests?
These should ideally start a few months before the final exam and conducted progressively—first monthly, then after two weeks, and finally weekly.
Assessing Mock Test Performances
Reviewing mock tests can provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and weaknesses, which then can be used to tailor the preparation strategy.
Reviewing and Reflecting on Exam Preparation
It’s important to review and reflect on the preparation process regularly.
Identify Areas of Strength and Weakness
Understanding what areas your child excels in and what areas they struggle with can help you tweak the preparation approach for better results.
Adjusting Study Strategies
Regular reviews will sometimes show that existing study strategies are not working. Don’t be afraid to adjust and try something new.
Continuous Improvement
Success in the 11plus exam is a journey of continuous improvement. Regular reviews and adjustments will ensure your child is always advancing in their preparation.
Remember, every child is different, and preparation strategies that work for one may not work for another. So, be flexible, stay positive, and support your child on their journey to acing the 11plus exam!
