Top 7 Tips to Boost 11 Plus Reading Skills of Solihull Students

Most Grammar and Independent School 11 Plus entrance tests in Solihull include reading comprehension as part of the English paper. As a parent, you play an essential role in helping your child boost 11 Plus reading skills. The complexity of 11 Plus reading comprehension is determined mainly by your child’s talents, shortcomings, and previous preparation. 

Remember that ‘difficulty’ is subjective, and what one child finds difficult may be easy for another. Here are the top 7 tips to boost 11 Plus reading skills and instil a love of reading in your child.

Top 7 Tips to Boost 11 Plus Reading Skills in Solihull

Reading is more than simply an essential academic ability; it helps with cognitive development, linguistic skills, and creativity. Children who read daily improve their academic performance and communication abilities. 

Reading may also bring delight and relaxation, which promote mental health. Encourage your children to read and teach them how it will help them prepare for the 11 Plus test in Solihull!

2. Create Reading Habits

Creating a routine with regular reading time is critical for improving reading abilities. Here are some strategies for developing a daily 11 Plus reading habit:

• Set a specific time: Set up a consistent period each day for reading, such as before bed or after school. Consistency helps develop a habit.
• Create a comfortable reading area: Set up a pleasant and peaceful spot in your house for reading. Reading is more memorable in a designated location.
• Lead by example: Show your child the importance of reading by reading and discussing your books with them. Children frequently emulate their parents’ behaviours.

2. Select Age-Related Books

Choosing 11 Plus reading materials that fit your child’s reading ability and interests is critical to keeping them engaged. Consider their strengths and also exam format topics and questions.

• Match their level: Choose materials that will challenge but not frustrate your child. However, this balance promotes progressive improvement.
• Matched targeted resources: online resources or worksheets that match the Solihull 11 Plus exam format and encourage them to read more.
• Diverse genres: Introduce new genres to boost 11 Plus reading skills experience.

3. Get Professional Assistance

Trusted expertise is essential to maximising 11 Plus exam success. 11 Plus Tutoring is a leading exam preparation provider, and its expert 11 Plus tutors in Solihull deliver tailored reading strategies. By utilising years of proven experience, pupils’ abilities and self-assurance are improved.

• Enhanced comprehension strategies: Skilled teachers provide practical methods to raise reading comprehension and inference abilities.
• Targeted reading practice: Students stay motivated and engaged when they employ reading materials and activities that are tailored to them.
• Increased recollection and vocabulary: Interactive sessions improve recollection and vocabulary, which improves test performance and self-assurance.

4. Make Reading Enjoyable

By adding games and challenges, you may make reading a fun pastime. Here are a few suggestions:

• Reading Bingo: Make a bingo card with various reading tasks, such as reading outside or a book with a blue cover. Therefore, this gives it a playful, competitive feel.
• Book club: Form a family book club where everyone reads and discusses the same book. This encourages familial connection and shared experiences.
• Reading incentives: Establish a system of prizes for achieving reading goals, such as a new book or a memorable excursion. Incentives can be used as motivation.

5. Use Technology to Make Reading Engaging

Technology sets the standard and may be an effective instrument for 11 Plus reading development. Many parents avoid technology, fearing that screen time is harmful, yet we’re here to inform you that it may be utilised to supplement scholastic progress:

• E-books and audiobooks: Allow access to digital books and audiobooks, which can benefit reluctant readers and provide a unique approach to experiencing tales.
• Applications for education: Use applications to enhance reading abilities through engaging exercises and games. These applications can make studying enjoyable.
• Online libraries: Use online libraries and resources to access various reading materials to ensure a consistent flow of fresh content.

6. Promote Writing Skills

Reading and writing are closely related. As they imitate the styles they’ve read and unconsciously increase their vocabulary and grammar, writing might help your kid become a better reader. Consider adding these writing exercises to your child’s weekly or daily schedule:

• Journaling: Encourage your child to write about their everyday ideas and experiences in a journal. This exercise enhances writing and reflective thinking.
• Creative writing: Give your child storytelling prompts and support them using their creativity. This will develop storytelling abilities and creativity.
• Emails and letters: Encourage your child to send emails or letters to friends and relatives. As a result, writing becomes meaningful and expressive.

7. Set An Example

Parents have a significant impact on their children’s 11 Plus reading development. Here are some methods to help your child:

• Provide various reading materials: Offer books, periodicals, and bond books relevant to the 11 Plus English exam. Diverse materials may make reading more enjoyable.
• Encourage discussion: Discuss the books your child is reading and encourage them to express their views and opinions. Therefore, this boosts 11 Plus reading skills and expressiveness.
• Praise and Encouragement: Celebrate your child’s reading accomplishments and urge them to continue developing. Positive reinforcement increases confidence.

Conclusion

Improving your child’s reading abilities is a delightful process that involves perseverance, consistency, and ingenuity. Incorporating these suggestions into your child’s daily routine will help them boost 11 Plus reading skills and increase their achievement on the entrance exam. Remember, the objective is to make reading fun while providing continual support and encouragement.