How can I make 11 Plus studying a bit more fun????

[Brightday]

My son gets a bit fed up preparing for 11+. I'm scared that soon he will refuse totally. Any good advise on how to make it more exciting/entertaining in a playful way?

[controlfreakythecontrolfreak]

it's not fun / exciting / entertaining. it is stressful for all concerned and the devil's work.... when does he sit the test? my advice is don't start too early, have a plan and stick to it, set up reward system for ds and countdown the weeks to when it's all over.

[deaddei]

Agree with controlfreakyetc...nothing entertaining about it. A countdown's a great idea- we are having a huge bonfire for all those bloody Bond books.
And if he refuses totally...not much you can do. Knew a boy who actually failed on purpose because he realised he just didn't want to go the high achieving grammar- wanted to be where his mates were going.
Stay cool- do not pressure-do not give impression to him that it's the end of the world if he doesn't get in. It isn't.

[QOD]

are you going for testing next year? ie is he in yr 5 now?
You are a bit early but have you tried the bonds 10 minute test books? They can write the answers in and should just take... 10 mins lOL

much easier to get them to do - you can start with the age 9 to 10 then progress.
Available in WH smith & amazon

[deaddei]

And then burn them.

[QOD]

definetly burn them!
So glad it's all over - and went and visited local comp last night - incredibly impressed

[piscesmoon]

If he doesn't want to do them, and can't pass without, it should tell you that it is the wrong school! The 11+ is the start-not the end.

[catwalker]

Brightday - do them with him and see which one of you works out the answer first (just make sure it's usually him....) Talk through each one as you do it, discussing possible ways of working out the answer. Don't just stick him at a table, leave him to do a practice paper on his own and then mark it.

And if you want more advice, visit the Eleven Plus Forum

[Rednosebunny]

Brightday, my son initially started off with nferNelson books but what he really liked was doing questions online as it took him away from the books and he worked in a different way.
My sons teacher recommended Chackra, or Chuckra (search on google)as they have free practice papers and they have online tests and brain training games which my son liked.

And have lots of breaks inbetween to take his mind off things....