A Simple Guide For Parents – Here’s How To Handle the 11+ Test and Help Your Child

Entry exams, now that is something that no one likes to hear. No matter who you talk to, this topic can only evoke harsh feelings and bad memories. Everyone just wants to be done with it and move to the more important things in life than tests. This is why it is important to study for these tests in an efficient manner, so you can move forward. When it comes to standardized tests, luckily, you can be pretty effective.

It is very important to be by your kid’s side when they are going through these exams. Just remember how you felt when there was no one around to help you. Or the gratitude you felt for the people that were around you during such times. It may be silly now decades later, but back then it was different. With this simple guide, you will be able to handle the 11+ test and help your child.

Past tests

As with any standardized test, you need to know what it looks like. Studying without any idea what to expect can result in a lot of wasted time. Wasted time means less time studying the material that is bound to appear on the test. Of course, this does not mean that your child should study just to pass the test. This just means focusing on the important lectures and examples, so you can focus more on mastering them.

Unfortunately, the 11+ tests are not public, so you have to find them by other means. Luckily, you can find 11+ past papers online and a lot more mock tests that will simulate the real deal. That way, your child will know what they are up against. With that knowledge, they will be less surprised when the big day comes. More focus on the important material and less stress is what you always want.

Regional difference

The 11+ tests are different depending on the area where you plan on taking the test. The local authorities are the ones that decide what the test will look like. The differences are not that big, but they are certainly not something you can neglect. You can find out more about the test by asking around, and maybe someone will tell you. It is important to know what the test in your region looks like compared to other regions.

Luckily, with online tests, this problem is also easily solved. Past papers are the best way to know what the test looks like in your region. People that make the mock tests also know to take the regional differences into consideration. That way, you can get tests tailored for your unique situation, which will hugely benefit your child. 

Study schedule

The 11+ test is not something your child can study the night before and expect to ace the test. But, this also does not mean that your child should devote their entire life to studying for it. Most people recommend starting studying one year before the test if you want the best results. But, not every child is the same or has the same study schedule. When your kid is still in elementary school, they are still learning how to learn.

This is why it is important to observe their optimal studying routine if you want to know when to start. Some children will hate starting so early, and why should they start doing that? What is their threshold when it comes to the information they can absorb? Everyone needs a break from studying, how much does your child require? Did they already study most of this material, and did they do so in detail? These are just some of the questions you and your child should answer.

Motivate your kid

Most kids do not like to study, not even when it is something as important as the 11+ test. This is why you should work on this perspective and make them understand. By saying that this is important because it is important, you are doing nothing. Kids are a lot smarter than you think, and they will not believe these empty words.

By threatening them with what will happen if they do not ace the test, you are doing nothing but scaring them. This is why it is important to motivate them in an efficient manner. This means making them fall in love with studying and the power of knowledge. It means showing them in practice what they can achieve through studying.

Do not stress about it

The last thing you want to do is make passing the 11+ test something stressful. You can not make the test more fun, but you can make it less stressful. This is important, how you treat them at this age will reflect on their future. They will grow up depressed and anxious if you make this whole ordeal stressful and painful.

They will grow to hate what they are doing, and all of this because you could not control your temper. It is ok if they want to take a break or if they are feeling insecure about the test. The important thing is to talk to them about what they are feeling. This does not mean rewarding negative behavior, it means finding the right way to move forward. You can move forward without the power of fear, move forward with love.

Moving forward is all about not letting history repeat itself. We all make mistakes, and that is perfectly fine because no one is perfect. The important thing is not to make the same mistakes again and to learn from them. That is what growing up is all about, learning to learn and venturing forward. This is why it is important to help your child when it comes to any kind of exam.

You do not want them to go down the same path as you did, it just means the same mistakes all over again. The cycle must not continue, and we must learn to pass this knowledge to new generations. Once they are done with the school system, they will be the ones that will replace us and make the future. This future can only be bright if we make the path bright for the youngsters that are all around us.

By Alan Brown.