With Earth Day upon us, it’s a lovely reminder that growth takes time — whether it’s the planet, a budding flower 🌱, or indeed, your child’s confidence as they prepare for the 11+ exams. As parents, it’s natural to worry: Are they revising enough? Are we covering the right topics? Are we doing this the right way? You are certainly not alone in these thoughts.
The 11+ exam can feel like unfamiliar territory, especially as it covers areas that aren’t always taught directly in the classroom: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. This can leave both children and parents feeling a little adrift. But take heart 💖 — with the right approach, this challenge can be turned into a manageable and even enjoyable journey.
1. Quality Over Quantity 📏 When it comes to revision, more isn’t always better. Short, focused sessions often work best, especially for younger learners. 20-30 minute blocks with regular breaks can help maintain concentration and reduce feelings of overwhelm. A clear timetable also allows children to balance schoolwork, 11+ preparation, and downtime 🧠💡.
2. Make Revision Interactive 🎲 If your child hasn’t encountered verbal and non-verbal reasoning before, the best introduction is through interactive learning. Puzzle books, online games, and family quiz nights can gently introduce these concepts without the pressure of formal study. By framing revision as fun, children are more likely to engage willingly. 🎉
3. Encouragement Over Expectation 💬 Children pick up on our emotions — if revision becomes a battleground ⚔️, anxiety can rise on both sides. Swap "Have you done enough revision today?" for "What did you enjoy learning today?" to help create a positive mindset around the process. 😊
4. Simulate, Don’t Cram 📝 Closer to the exam, practice papers can be a great way to ease nerves and highlight areas for growth. Use these sparingly and treat them as opportunities for learning rather than pass/fail exercises. ✅
5. Look After Their Wellbeing 🌈 Your child’s wellbeing needs consistent care. Sleep 💤, outdoor play ⚽, and time for hobbies 🎨 are just as important as study. A balanced approach encourages resilience — a skill that will serve them far beyond the 11+.
Final Thoughts 💡 Every child’s learning journey is unique, and success isn’t solely defined by one exam. By fostering curiosity, supporting emotional health, and keeping communication open, you’re helping your child build strong foundations for the future.
Growth is a process, not a race. Small, steady steps today lead to great things tomorrow. 🌍✨
If you’d like extra support on this journey, our experienced and fully qualified teachers at Capital Tuition Group are here to help! 🧑🏫✨ With a proven track record of helping students gain entry into the schools of their choice, we offer personalised tuition tailored to your child’s needs. Get in touch with us today: https://www.capitaltuitiongroup.com/contact-us 📞💻
Happy revising! 🎉
The 11+ exam can feel like unfamiliar territory, especially as it covers areas that aren’t always taught directly in the classroom: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. This can leave both children and parents feeling a little adrift. But take heart 💖 — with the right approach, this challenge can be turned into a manageable and even enjoyable journey.
1. Quality Over Quantity 📏 When it comes to revision, more isn’t always better. Short, focused sessions often work best, especially for younger learners. 20-30 minute blocks with regular breaks can help maintain concentration and reduce feelings of overwhelm. A clear timetable also allows children to balance schoolwork, 11+ preparation, and downtime 🧠💡.
2. Make Revision Interactive 🎲 If your child hasn’t encountered verbal and non-verbal reasoning before, the best introduction is through interactive learning. Puzzle books, online games, and family quiz nights can gently introduce these concepts without the pressure of formal study. By framing revision as fun, children are more likely to engage willingly. 🎉
3. Encouragement Over Expectation 💬 Children pick up on our emotions — if revision becomes a battleground ⚔️, anxiety can rise on both sides. Swap "Have you done enough revision today?" for "What did you enjoy learning today?" to help create a positive mindset around the process. 😊
4. Simulate, Don’t Cram 📝 Closer to the exam, practice papers can be a great way to ease nerves and highlight areas for growth. Use these sparingly and treat them as opportunities for learning rather than pass/fail exercises. ✅
5. Look After Their Wellbeing 🌈 Your child’s wellbeing needs consistent care. Sleep 💤, outdoor play ⚽, and time for hobbies 🎨 are just as important as study. A balanced approach encourages resilience — a skill that will serve them far beyond the 11+.
Final Thoughts 💡 Every child’s learning journey is unique, and success isn’t solely defined by one exam. By fostering curiosity, supporting emotional health, and keeping communication open, you’re helping your child build strong foundations for the future.
Growth is a process, not a race. Small, steady steps today lead to great things tomorrow. 🌍✨
If you’d like extra support on this journey, our experienced and fully qualified teachers at Capital Tuition Group are here to help! 🧑🏫✨ With a proven track record of helping students gain entry into the schools of their choice, we offer personalised tuition tailored to your child’s needs. Get in touch with us today: https://www.capitaltuitiongroup.com/contact-us 📞💻
Happy revising! 🎉
