Let's keep your eleven plus learner learning!
The idea of 'caring' about what you're learning is well-known. We remember more, learn better and can apply learning across a wider range of problems. Think of a topic your child loves outside school: a football team, types of aeroplane, rap music, animals...you know the one I'm talking about. Now think how much they know about that topic, and ask why and how do they know so much? They care about it. It means something to them. I'd add to that they're fairly open minded about the topic. There's no block from within.
The quick plan, then, is to have your child generate and think of their own reasons for studying. It might help to have less conversations about the exam itself, and more about either the learning habits that feed it, or the lovely results they're after if it goes well.
You don't need lots and lots of reasons; even a few to focus can bring encouragement. Have them write their reasons for enjoying elements of study, or what their plans are for afterwards.
A few examples to get you started...
Learning:
- I like hanging out with you in our learning cafe on Saturday morning.
- It feels good to see my marks go higher in school tests like spelling and arithmetic.
- I love spending time with you and having a laugh. (It's okay to make learning as relaxed and as happy as possible, but that's a different post.)
- I didn't know about the different types of tiger, but the non-fiction book from the library has shown me a lot.
- I like learning.
- I like that the daily work is just 30 minutes after school, then I get to play.
- I proved to myself I can learn anything! Volume of shapes was tricky, but we took it step by step and now I understand it. I feel more confident.
- New people get into the school I want every year, so I know it's not impossible, or the school wouldn't exist.
- I know I can learn new things as well as anyone.
- I don't mind getting things 'wrong'. Everything is a fun experiment.
- It's okay to learn my way.
- The school needs me!
Results:
- The school has 7 astro pitches! When I get in, I can play football every lunchtime. (This was my son's.)
- I'll know a lot more than many kids in secondary, wherever I go, so I can focus on having fun and making friends.
- The DT department at school X is amazing. I want to make those bags too. (This was my daughter's.)
- No extra learning in Year 6 - I can play all year.
- I know I want to be a doctor/engineer/architect/nurse/run a youtube channel, etc... Great results will help make my dream a reality. It can really happen.
Fingers crossed that this little thought helps you and your child learn more this week. It goes without saying that we all need a little motivation from time to time. We are humans, not robots! So, stay patient, creative, adventurous and smiling, as you find ways to help your child stay with the beautiful power of learning.
Also, you may wish to make your own list of why you want your child to prepare and pass the 11plus, and remember to look at it from time to time when you need a nod of encouragement. No one else's reasons mean as much. Your child's mean the most to them; your reasons mean the most to you.
My very best, Lee
London, 24
