Worried about 11plus - comprehension score

[Tead]

Hello
we are trying to preparing for the 11plus.
a few weeks ago my son visited a tutor who gave him a small test. He scored well on some areas but his comprehension was very, very poor.

looking back, he has struggled with some of the more complicated comprehension work, in particular where the reading extract is more complex and requires greater concentration.

I have been focusing on his reading and making sure he reads everyday. I thought this would be enough but obviously it’s not working.

any suggestions how I can improve his comprehension skills.

Agree with @Mydusa . Start with easy texts. I’d recommend “wonder” by Palacio. It’s easy reading, lovely story and your child will feel so proud to have finish a whole book! The usage of imagination will help tremendously as it aids to understand the story better.

Wider reading is important, and not just 'easier' reading books with pictures etc - they need to be challenging. After reading a bit, ask your kid questions about what they just read. Pick out vocabulary words or any interesting phrases etc.

Next get some 10 minute comprehension tests for the 11+ exam board you are aiming at and do a bit of practice as often as you can. If your test is multiple choice, you also need to practice choosing the 'best' answer.

Also you need to do full length papers once you've built up your skills. There are a few available for free on the GL website to start you off.

Hi,

I took out an Atom subscription:

Use my referral code HHaD50Bg and save £30 on Atom Learning! https://atomlearning.com/p/HHaD50Bg

It is helping already. It has mock tests, some comprehension videos and lots of vocabulary builder etc games on. May be worth a look as it has a free trial and this is a discount. My son has been doing it for a couple of weeks and found his last paper mock so much easier. He’s made a lot of progress. As much as they read and have good good vocabulary it’s a very new way of analysing a text.

I found this a more fun (as fun as 11+ revision can be) way for him to practice. Hope that helps and good luck :)

1. could he be dyslexic?
2. when is the 11+. If he's currently in year 5 then you've left it really late to tutor, sounds like a super-selective and most will tutor from end of year 4 or a bit earlier.

With regards to missing words do his school use accelerated reader? What are his comprehension quiz scores like? Also his level on star reader?

If he is skipping words this is a common sign of visual stress. My daughter did use a coloured ruler (diagnosed from a hospital optician) you can mention to the optician. Signs are words jumping about, headaches and skipping and re reading lines. Just thought worth a mention. It’s an easy thing to treat and may make a big difference if it is that.