The 11+ exam is an important milestone for any child, and with the right preparation, it can be conquered. It is a well-known fact that children are more likely to succeed in the 11 Plus exams if they have been doing their homework.
This means that parents should be making sure their kids do all of their assignments, but it also means that children need to be working hard at home as well. Also, parents should be monitoring their child’s internet usage to ensure they’re not spending too much time on social media or playing video games.
In addition to making sure children are doing their homework, parents can help their kids prepare for the 11 Plus by teaching them study skills. Here are 8 tips to help you do exactly that!
1 - Create a study schedule
One of the most important things you can do to help your child prepare for the 11 Plus is to create a study schedule. This will ensure that your child is studying regularly and not trying to cram everything in at the last minute.
For example, you could set aside two hours every evening for studying. During this time, your child can work on homework assignments, review concepts they’re struggling with, or do practice questions. You can look at the previous 11+ papers with answers to get an idea of what kinds of questions will be on the exam. Additionally, you can also create a schedule for weekends. This will give your child some time to relax and enjoy their hobbies, but it will also ensure that they’re still making progress in their studies.
2 - Help them find a study method that works for them
Every child learns differently, so it’s important to help your child find a study method that works for them. Some children learn best by listening to audio recordings, others prefer to read texts, and some prefer to watch videos. There are also many different ways to study for the 11 Plus. For example, some children prefer to use flashcards, while others find mind maps more helpful.
The best way to figure out what study method works best for your child is to experiment with different methods and see what they respond to most. Additionally, you can ask their teachers for advice on what study methods they recommend.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that children’s attention spans are shorter than adults, so it’s important to make sure that the study method you choose is engaging and doesn’t bore them. For example, if your child is struggling to pay attention while watching videos, you could try finding audio recordings instead. Also, make sure to break up their studying into shorter periods, so they don’t get overwhelmed or burnt out.
3 - Encourage them to take practice tests
One of the best ways to help your child prepare for the 11 Plus is to encourage them to take practice tests. This will help them get used to the format of the exam and the types of questions that will be asked. Additionally, it will allow them to identify any areas they need to work on.
There are many different resources you can use to find practice tests. For example, you can buy practice papers from a stationery store or online. Additionally, there are also many websites that offer free 11 Plus practice tests.
4 - Help them understand the concepts they’re struggling with
If your child is having trouble understanding a concept, it’s important to help them out. One way you can do this is by breaking down the concept into simpler terms. Additionally, you can use analogies or examples to help them understand. For example, if your child is struggling to understand friction, you could explain it by saying that it’s like when you rub your hands together, and they start to feel warm.
Another way to help your child understand a concept is to have them teach it to you. This will help them consolidate what they’ve learned and identify any areas they’re still struggling with. Additionally, it will give you a chance to provide feedback and help them correct any misunderstandings.
5 - Encourage them to ask questions
It’s important to encourage your child to ask questions when they’re studying. This will help them clarify any concepts they’re struggling with. Additionally, it will help them think about the material in a deeper way.
One way you can encourage your child to ask questions is by asking them questions yourself. For example, after they’ve finished a chapter in their textbook, you could ask them what the main ideas were. Additionally, you could have them explain how a certain concept works.
6 - Help them develop good study habits
One of the best ways to help your child succeed is to help them develop good study habits. For example, you could encourage them to create a study schedule and stick to it. Additionally, you could encourage them to take breaks and avoid studying for long periods of time.
7 - Encourage them to stay positive
It’s important to encourage your child to stay positive throughout the process. This can be a difficult exam and it’s natural for them to feel stressed or anxious. However, it’s important to remind them that they can do it and that you believe in them. Additionally, you can tell them to focus on the progress they’ve made rather than dwelling on any mistakes.
8 - Seek out professional help
If your child is struggling, you may want to seek out professional help. This could be in the form of a tutor or an educational therapist. A tutor can help your child with specific subject areas they’re struggling with. Additionally, an educational therapist can help them with general study skills or test anxiety.
The 11 Plus is an important milestone for any child, and with the right preparation, it can be conquered. These eight studying tips will help your child ace the exam! Additionally, if you feel like your child needs more help, you may want to seek out professional assistance. A tutor or educational therapist can provide your child with one-on-one support and help them succeed.
