7 Practical Tips for Parents to Prepare their Child for 11+ Exams

The 11+ exams are a significant milestone in your child’s educational journey. These exams play a crucial role in determining admission to selective schools, which can then play a decisive role in determining their academic future.

So, as a parent, you will be wanting to support your child and ensure they are well-prepared for these exams. But the question is, where do you start, and how can you provide the guidance and assistance they need?

That’s what we are going to answer in this blog. Read on to find out some practical tips to help you navigate the preparation process and empower your child for success in the 11+ exams.

1. Understand the Exam Format

Familiarizing yourself with the structure, subjects, and requirements of the exams will enable you to create a targeted and focused preparation plan for your child. To do this, you will first have to start by researching the specific exams your child will be taking, as formats may vary between different regions or schools.

Understand the subjects that will be tested, such as English, mathematics, or subjects included in the syllabus. While doing this, you will have to take note of the exam duration, the number of questions, and any specific guidelines or restrictions.

The best way to do this is to find a sample or previous 11 Plus Exam Papers from a reliable online source. These sources have top-quality and accurate exam papers to help parents prepare their children for 11+ exams. By using these papers, you will understand the exam format, which will eventually help you tailor your child’s preparation accordingly.

 

2. Create a Study Schedule for them

Helping your child follow a study plan will let them get a sense of routine, help them manage time efficiently, and ensure that all necessary topics are covered. You can start this by assessing the time available leading up to the exams and consider your child’s other commitments, such as school and extracurricular activities.

After this, you can allocate specific study slots throughout the week, keeping in mind the need for breaks and relaxation. It is also advised to divide the study schedule into manageable chunks, focusing on different subjects or topics during each session.

This approach prevents overwhelm and allows for better retention of information. Set realistic goals for each study session and encourage your child to track their progress, celebrating milestones along the way.

 

3. Set Realistic Goals

Every child progresses at their own pace, so it’s important to set goals that are flexible in nature and can be adjusted to the changing routine. By establishing achievable milestones and flexible goals, you can help your child stay focused, motivated, and on track throughout their preparation journey.

Start by breaking down the syllabus into smaller parts and then identify the key topics and skills that need to be covered. You can then assign them to specific timeframes. This approach prevents overwhelming your child and allows them to approach their studies systematically.

When setting goals, you will need to consider your child’s current abilities and progress. It’s important to strike a balance between challenging them and ensuring that the goals are attainable. This is because setting unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and demotivation.

 

4. Provide Necessary Resources

Your child will need several to prepare for the 11 plus exams, and providing them with the right materials can greatly enhance their understanding, knowledge, and confidence. These can include high-quality study materials, textbooks, and practice papers that are specifically designed for the 11+ exams.

These resources often offer comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, targeted practice questions, and helpful strategies for tackling different question types.

If you are not ready to buy study resources in hard forms, you can consider utilizing online resources and educational websites that provide interactive learning tools, mock exams, and supplementary materials. These digital resources can add an extra bit of strength to your child’s preparation and make learning more engaging and enjoyable.

 

5. Focus on Core Subjects

First, you will need to understand what are the core subject in your child’s examination. Usually, English, mathematics, and verbal reasoning are the foundational areas assessed in these exams, and dedicating ample time and attention to them is essential.

Every subject will require specific attention to detail. For example, in English, you will have to emphasize teaching comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. In mathematics, ensure your child has a solid grasp of fundamental concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving skills.

While in verbal reasoning tests, your child will be assessed on their ability to understand and manipulate words and language. So, it’s advised to focus on each subject separately and make sure the basic concepts of your child are clear.

 

6. Practice Time Management

11 plus exams often have strict time limits, and effective time management ensures that your child will be able to complete the exam within the allocated timeframe. To help your child gain that pace, encourage them to practice timed study sessions.

You can also set a specific time limit for completing practice papers or sections of the exam. This helps them develop a sense of pacing and trains them to work efficiently under pressure. Also, make sure to teach your child to prioritize tasks and allocate time according to the importance and difficulty level.

This will help them gauge how much time to allocate for each question or section so they don’t spend too much time on a single question and risk running out of time for the rest. You can also conduct practice sessions with them to emphasize the importance of time monitoring. Encourage your child to

 

7. Provide Emotional Support

The exam period can be stressful and overwhelming for children, and a parent’s support can make a significant difference in their confidence and well-being. That’s why it is advised to listen to your child’s concerns and anxieties about the exams.

Make sure to create an open and safe space for them to express their feelings without judgment. Start this by prioritizing communication within the household and validating the emotions of your children. Also, celebrate little milestones they achieve when preparing for the examination.

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