10 Ways To Deal With The Stress Of 11+ Exam

The 11 plus exam is an examination taken by some school pupils in their last year of primary school to get into a grammar school of their choice. The term 11+ refers to the fact that the test selects for schools with an entry point for children ages 11 or over. The qualification rate for the 11+ test varies considerably around the country, but there can be up to four disciplines for example, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English.

The process for the 11+ test can become a stressful experience for the student and the parent. Here are some tips to help you deal with the stress:

Being prepared will help you deal with the stress. Many parents do not take the time to fully understand the admission rules. Admissions rules can change from year to year. So do not check them three year before your child is due to take the test and assume that the same rules are still in force when the time comes around. It will be beneficial to familiarise yourself with the test process and begin preparing your child. Find out what the test consists of, dates of the test, also look out for changes to the test because the content can vary. Preparation can also involve practicing past questions, enrolling your child for extra lessons. When your child knows how to complete the questions and what examiners will be assessing this will increase their familiarity and confidence. Understand how and why the test causes stress so that you are better prepared to help them manage and minimise its impact. Causes of stress can include the competitive nature of the placement. However, if you are prepared and have practiced past questions your child has an equal chance to getting into the school they desire.

Many parents do not fully understand how damaging putting too much pressure on a child can be. You might think by adding pressure on your child you are motivating them. But the opposite happens. Sheer pressure can make your child freeze on the day of the test. Too much pressure = absolute certainty of failure in the 11+, and that is a fact!

Doubting their ability to be successful. Every one preparing for a test will be stressed because we all want to do well. Monitor the words you use when attempting to encourage them to do well. Or if they are struggling with past question papers, monitor how you motivate them to try harder. Children often feel they have to do well as they think it is what their parents want. Your reactions can help reduce the stress they feel.

Offering rewards when they pass can actually increase the pressure. Do not set success at the 11+ exam on a pedestal. This can make them stressed because they know if they fail they will not receive the reward they have been looking forward to.

Avoid talking about the competitive nature of the test in front of your child. Instead focus on the positive efforts they are making at present. Show interest if they have begun to prepare for the test, but avoid quizzing them too hard. Keep the atmosphere as calm as possible. Conducting test and after test is not a teaching tool and will not help your child acquire knowledge and skills. Tests should only be used to help your child develop accuracy and speed.

If your child wants to talk about the test, make it a conversation about their feelings as much as possible. Try to ensure that if you do talk about your own feelings, it is just to remind them that you love and support them no matter the outcome. Have a range of different schools in mind that include non-selective schools rather than focusing on one or two or all selective schools. Remain positive and have a plan B

Do not compare your child to other children. However you can speak to other parents on how they are coping. Preparing your child thoroughly gives them the best chance of success, not only because they will be better equipped to answer the questions, but also because they are less likely to let fear get in the way of their performance. Start the preparation early by slowly and gently. Always remember that a lot of children are not successful because of lack of wide vocabulary. Starting early really helps. You can help your child work hard in a fun way. If studying becomes too serious, the pressure will mount.

We all have different styles of learning. There are three different styles of learning. Auditory learning (refers to listen to things being explained than reading about the reciting information out loud and having music in the background) Visual learning (refers to learn by looking at graphics, watching a demonstration or reading.) and finally kinaesthetic learning (refers to learn through hands on experience. Actually doing an activity can be the easiest way of learning. Sitting down while studying may be difficult, but writing things down makes it easier to understand. Most people learn best through a combination of the three styles, but everybody is different. Find out more about your learning style here this can help you with how you organise your study plan.