Preparing your child for the 11+ exam can seem daunting, as there is so much to be done in such a short amount of time. However, with the right approach and dedication, you can ensure that your child has all they need to succeed on their 11+ journey. This article will provide top tips on preparing your child for the 11+ exam, including advice on building confidence and reducing stress levels.
Table of Contents
Provide Support
One of the most important things you can do when helping your child prepare for the 11+ exam is to show them that you are supportive of their efforts. This could mean getting involved, offering encouragement, or praising them when they progress in their studies. You should also talk with them about their goals and aspirations, as this will help motivate them for the exam. Additionally, you should monitor their progress and provide feedback to ensure they are still on track.
Provide Practice Tests
Through regular practice tests, students can become more familiar with the structure, format, and types of questions that may be asked on the actual 11+ test. This familiarity can help to reduce any stress or anxiety associated with taking a major test such as this one. Additionally, practice tests allow your child to practice time management skills and learn how to use their allotted time best to complete each exam section efficiently.
Providing practice exams that gradually increase in difficulty can help your child become even better prepared for the 11+ exam. It is important to note that 11 Plus exam papers should be taken under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment best and provide an accurate measure of progress. With regular practice tests, your child will gain a solid foundation of knowledge necessary to do well on the exam.
Create a Study Schedule
Creating a study schedule is one of the top tips for preparing your child for the 11+ Exam. A study schedule helps structure their learning and studying sessions, making it easier for them to focus and retain information more effectively. Regularly scheduled study sessions will also help keep them motivated and on track with their studies throughout the duration of preparation.
Making a study schedule allows you to plan exactly what topics they need to cover, when they should review, and any other activities that may be beneficial in preparing for the exam, such as practice exams or mock tests. Scheduling online learning sessions can also be beneficial in helping them prepare for the 11+ Exam. All these can ensure that every subject area is covered and that nothing important gets overlooked in the preparation process. By breaking down larger tasks into smaller chunks, your child can better manage their time and focus on one subject at a time.
Creating a study schedule is also beneficial in helping them develop good habits when it comes to studying. Regularly scheduled study sessions help create discipline around learning and proper planning, both of which are important skills for students throughout their school careers as well as into adulthood.
Build Their Confidence
Confidence is key when preparing your child for the 11+ exam. A confident pupil is more likely to apply their knowledge and skills effectively, which will reflect in their results. Confidence can also help children stay calm under pressure, which will be important during their exams.
Confidence in their abilities can motivate pupils to keep going during the stressful 11+ preparation period. Being too hard on yourself can lead to anxiety and self-doubt, so confidence can help a student stay focused on achieving success.
Building your child’s confidence doesn’t have to be complicated – small steps like praising them for effort, giving them positive feedback, and helping them to set realistic goals can all help them feel more confident in their abilities. Encouraging them to take breaks and reminding them that they are doing their best is also important.
Reduce Stress Levels
It is no secret that the 11+ Exam can be a nerve-wracking experience for children. For this reason, it is important to ensure that your child’s stress levels are controlled while preparing for the exam. Stress can interfere with learning and reduce performance on tests, so reducing stress levels should be a top priority when prepping your child for the 11+.
There are several ways to reduce your child’s stress level in preparation for their upcoming exam. Firstly, set up a positive study environment and ensure you provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Ensure that their desk is well lit and comfortable, and give them access to plenty of materials such as textbooks, practice papers, and revision notes. Make sure that your child takes regular breaks during their studies and gets enough sleep to keep them energized and alert for the exam.
Another way to reduce stress levels is to incorporate relaxation techniques into your child’s study routine. Encouraging them to practice deep breathing, yoga, or guided meditation can help to reduce anxiety and build focus and concentration. It is also important to provide emotional support for your child; talk with them about their feelings and be there as a source of comfort if they get overwhelmed by the process.
Get Professional Help
Preparing your child for the 11+ exam can be an intimidating prospect. With so many different aspects to consider, it is important to get professional help to ensure that your child gets the best possible preparation. Here are some of the top reasons why getting professional help is a top tip on how to prepare your child for the 11+ exam:
- Expertise – By engaging with professionals helping children prepare for this type of exam, you can be sure that you are giving them access to experts with more knowledge and experience than most people. These professionals can provide invaluable guidance and advice on all aspects of preparation, from study plans and practice tests, to tips on tackling specific questions and topics.
- Targeted Support – Professional 11+ exam preparation courses offer targeted support to help your child identify and hone in on the areas of their learning that will be most beneficial for them. These services also provide a structured approach that gives children the confidence to tackle challenging questions and make progress more quickly than studying independently.
- Efficiency – The amount of time and energy required for proper 11+ exam preparation can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the format and content. Having professional help available reduces the stress associated with this task by breaking down each step into manageable pieces, making it easier to complete all aspects of the process without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Getting professional help for 11+ preparation is a top tip for parents aiming to give their child the best chance of success. With expertise, targeted support, and reduced stress, these courses can be an invaluable resource in helping your child reach their full potential.
Preparing your child for the 11+ exam can seem like a daunting task, however, with the right approach, it is possible to ensure that they have all they need to succeed on their journey. By following the tips outlined above, you can help build your child’s confidence and reduce stress levels so that they are ready and confident when taking their exams. Additionally, professional help should be sought to give your child the best possible chance of success.
