How to Boost Your Child’s 11 Plus Vocabulary
- 1. Get them to actually enjoy reading. Groan. I know. ...
- 2. Get them interested in the news. Current affairs isn’t at the top of a lot of kids’ lists of interests. ...
- 3. Enlist the help of Mrs Wordsmith ...
- 4. Take advantage of their screen addiction ...
- 5. Play board games ...
- 6. Make flashcards. ...
- 7. Get them to write you a story ...
- 8. Have New Experiences ...
How do I teach my child 11 plus vocabulary?
Download our 11 plus vocabulary list and ask your child to use each word in a sentence. Where there is more than one definition for a word then ask for a sentence for each definition. Record on the sheet which words are your child already knows and which you want your child to learn.
How can i Improve my Child’s vocabulary?
A number of apps and games exist that are specifically designed to improve your child’s vocabulary. The best thing about these apps is that children often don’t see them as ‘work’. That means you’re much less likely to get kick-back from them when you suggest they have a go.
How can I help my child prepare for the eleven plus?
A wide vocabulary is often the key to success in the eleven plus. A broad vocabulary can improve children’s comprehension as well as helping with synonym and antonym questions in verbal reasoning papers. Vocabulary is tested in some shape or form in all 11+ exams.
Why build a strong 11 plus vocabulary?
Building a strong vocabulary is a gift which will increase understanding, improve opportunities and enrich your child’s future. Help My Child to Build a Strong 11 Plus Vocabulary? Building a strong vocabulary is a process.
What does 11 plus mean?
How does Mrs Wordsmith use data science?
How many words should a child have in a story?
What is freerice.com?
Why is vocabulary important for kids?
How to get kids to learn vocabulary?
How can the news help children?
See 2 more
How can I learn vocabulary for 11?
Vocabulary Tips for 11-plus PreparationBuy your child a notebook (one that will last!) ... Buy your child a children's dictionary. ... Encourage your child to use the words they are learning. ... Do not simplify your language when speaking to your child. ... Read with your child.More items...•
What is the easiest way to improve your vocabulary?
7 Ways to Improve Your VocabularyDevelop a reading habit. Vocabulary building is easiest when you encounter words in context. ... Use the dictionary and thesaurus. ... Play word games. ... Use flashcards. ... Subscribe to “word of the day” feeds. ... Use mnemonics. ... Practice using new words in conversation.
What is the best source of improving vocabulary?
Why is it important to improve your vocabulary?Conversation. ... Collect resources. ... Collect a list of new vocabulary words to learn. ... Read news sources. ... Read specialized sources. ... Listen to English sources. ... Practice by yourself. ... Practice with others.More items...
How can I improve my exam vocabulary?
If you start preparation early, make a schedule of learning at least 5 new words with spelling and meaning everyday. Try to use those 5 new words at least once throughout the day, in your conversations. Using newly learned words in daily conversation or writing also helps in improving vocabulary recall.
How can I memorize vocabulary fast?
Tips to remember wordsKeep an organised vocabulary notebook.Look at the words again after 24 hours, after one week and after one month.Read, read, read. ... Use the new words. ... Do word puzzles and games like crosswords, anagrams and wordsearches.Make word cards and take them with you. ... Learn words with a friend.More items...
How do I grow a bigger vocabulary?
Four basic steps to a better vocabularyBe Aware of Words. Many people are surprised when they are told they have small vocabularies. ... Read. ... Use a Dictionary. ... Study and Review Regularly.
Is there an app to improve your vocabulary?
Quizlet is one of the most used vocabulary apps and is available for iOS and Android. Its price depends on the number of units you wish to get. Prices are different for schools. Users can contribute flashcards of their own and teachers can design their own tests.
Does reading improve vocabulary?
Reading Grows Your Vocabulary It's much easier to learn vocabulary from a book than from memorizing words in the dictionary. That's because you're learning the words contextually. The words make sense within the context of what you're reading so it makes it easier to remember later.
Which book should I read to improve my vocabulary?
Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling. The author has introduced many new words that can be absorbed and used in daily vocabulary. This is the most entertaining yet one of the best novels to increase your English vocabulary.
How can I refresh my English vocabulary?
7 Ways to Quickly Improve Your English Language SkillsWatch movies in English. ... Immerse yourself in English language news. ... Start a vocabulary book of useful words. ... Have conversations in English. ... Practice, practice, practice. ... Curiosity doesn't always kill the cat. ... Don't forget to have fun while you learn.
What are the sources of vocabulary?
7 Best Sources for New VocabularyIt's Black and White. Use a newspaper or magazine to teach new vocabulary. ... Play the Game. ... Action! ... That's Your Opinion. ... Listen Up. ... Coffee Talk. ... By the Book.
How can students improve their vocabulary?
Teacher Tip: 15 Ways to Increase your Students' VocabularyIntroduce them to a wide range of words in interesting. ... Make sure they encounter a new word many times.Make sure they encounter a new word in many. ... Provide explicit vocabulary instruction related. ... Discuss word meanings with them.More items...•
What are the source of English vocabulary?
The vocabulary of Modern English is approximately a quarter Germanic (Old English, Scandinavian, Dutch, German) and two-thirds Italic or Romance (especially Latin, French, Spanish, Italian), with copious and increasing importations from Greek in science and technology and with considerable borrowings from more than 300 ...
Reading
Not only will reading get your child’s skills in tip-top shape for the comprehension part of the 11 Plus, but reading in general is one of the best ways to expand vocabulary knowledge.
Flashcards
Why not make learning fun? Flashcards are a simple yet effective way to instil new vocabulary into your child’s mind. Not sure what words to include? Try searching for ‘11 plus vocabulary worksheets pdf’ or ‘11 plus vocabulary free’ on Google and you are sure to find a handy 11 Plus vocabulary list or two!
Online
Get digital for 11 Plus exam preparation with entertaining word games. Freerice uses a super-fun-guess-the-word-meaning game that donates grains of rice to people in need for every correct answer you give. Created by The United Nations World Food Programme, not only can your child polish their vocabulary skills, but they can also make a difference.
Classic Word Games
Go old school with a classic game of Hangman. This can be played with just you and your child, or you can involve the family to help make revision a team activity. Keep the words attainable without making them too easy; if you need some inspiration, look to our word list above.
Introduction
With verbal reasoning a core part of the 11+ Exam, parents should be doing everything they can to improve their child’s vocabulary. It can be intimidating at first, but don’t worry! This article from PiAcademy will be breaking down everything you need to do to prepare for this extremely important element of the eleven plus.
Vocabulary Assessments
Using assessment is a brilliant way to improve eleven plus vocabulary – but it is important to do it in the right way. Some students don’t respond well to checklists or quizzes. Memorising vocabulary lists can be a real chore too.
Play Word Games
The more words your child encounters and understands, the broader their day-to-day vocabulary will become. Word puzzles are a great way to increase your child’s exposure to old and new vocabulary, and to think about the different definitions of words, especially if you encourage them to use a dictionary to look up any words they're unsure of.
Talking and Reading
Probably the most important way of teaching a child new vocabulary is to first introduce the word and then place the word into context and then repeat this a few times so they really get the meaning. This is generally the way we learn when we are very young and continue to work even when we are older.
Conclusion
Gaining new vocabulary can be one of the toughest parts of eleven plus preparation. If you do all of the above religiously you will be amazed at how quickly vocabulary can develop.
Why is a children's dictionary important?
A good children’s dictionary is essential when your child is learning vocabulary. A children’s dictionary will have definitions written in a way that your child can understand. Try the Oxford Primary Dictionary if you haven’t got a dictionary already.
Why are audiobooks important?
Audiobooks are particularly useful for children that aren’t keen on reading. Audiobooks give you the opportunity to expose your child to books from different genres with minimal effort on their side. Children may like to listen to audiobooks before going to sleep or on longer car journeys.
Why is vocabulary important in 11 plus?
A broad vocabulary can improve children’s comprehension as well as helping with synonym and antonym questions in verbal reasoning papers.
How many words are needed to build a strong vocabulary?
Research isn’t conclusive on the amount of words needed to build a strong vocabulary but the publisher Scholastic suggests that only 3000 words are used in our day to day speech whilst the average adult will know more than 20,000 words.
How to help a child build a strong vocabulary?
Make sure your child is reading good quality texts which will help build a strong vocabulary. We have a list of great texts that will help. With my own children I have found that it can help to have a dictionary and thesaurus next to them when reading.
Is 11 plus vocabulary difficult?
The actual 11 plus vocabulary used in different exams across the country is unknown. I can tell you that the words are challenging and can prove difficult for most children and many adults alike. Understanding a wide variety of words, how they relate to similar words and knowledge of the multiple meanings and uses of them will be key to your child’s test.
Is the 11 plus exam a challenge?
Passing the 11 plus entrance exam is a challenge. If you want help then we have been helping children prepare for the 11 plus exams since 2009. Click here to find your nearest venue and book your free trial.
What are some games that help you learn to spell?
Word games like Scrabble are a great way to build spelling skills. Crossword puzzles are another way to teach spelling and flexing their synonym and antonym skills.
How to break up a vocabulary list?
This will help your child get used to the mix. Have them spell and define each word, giving an example, and then move on to the next word.
Why is vocabulary important for 11 plus?
Vocabulary is an important component of the 11 Plus exam as well as helping your child full express their thoughts and ideas. Here’s how to help your child improve their vocabulary. Vocabulary isn’t something that children are born with, it’s something that grows and should be encouraged, not just for exam purposes, ...
How to build vocabulary?
Read, read, read. The best way to build vocabulary is to encourage reading for at least 30 minutes a day. Let them read you their bedtime stories, for example. If they get stuck on a word, help them break it down and say it themselves.
How to reinforce vocabulary?
Reinforce learned vocabulary by using it in daily conversation or around the house.
What to do when your child asks what a word means?
When your child asks what a word means, use words they already know to describe it. When they get the idea, ask them to describe it with their own words and give an example of the word in action to see if they really understand. Read, read, read.
What to expect during your 11 plus tests?
The test is broken up into four main areas so in the assessment you can expect questions based on English, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.
How to help your child love reading?
Firstly the interest you show to reading will help your child love reading, secondly you will be modelling the correct reading style with appropriate intonation and pronounciation, thirdly you will provide feedback when your child is reading.
How to improve vocabulary?
Another way of improving vocabulary is by using flashcards and colours to help your child recommend difficult words. Your child should help make them and will definitely remember many of the words because of this. Try to vary the way you make the flash cards to again trigger your child’s memory; you could use felts, crayons and paint.
What is the 11 plus?
Spread out all these techniques, there’s no need to do all of this in one week. The 11 plus is all about having understanding as well as recall.
How to teach a child new vocabulary?
Probably the most important way of teaching a child new vocabulary is to first introduce the word and then place the word into context and then repeat this a few times so they really get the meaning. This is generally the way we learn when we are very young and continues to work even when we are older.
What happens if a child asks you what a word means?
If your child asks you the meaning of a word its a perfect opportunity to provide an explanation but normally just by hearing the word in context the meaning will become obvious. If they do ask you the meaning get them to look it up in the dictionary as a first step.
Why is it so hard to write?
Write, write, write and write some more. Writing is difficult for most adults, only because they didn’t do enough of it when they were children. The first step in writing is to just write ! It doesn’t matter what the topic is, it doesn’t matter about spelling and sentence structure, children just need to start writing.
Talk
Building your child’s language skills can start as simply as talking. The life of a parent can be busy, but making time to have conversations with your child is really important. Whether it be in the car, around the dinner table or before bed, having a quick chat with your child will go a long way.
Speak: Use big words
In order to improve your child’s vocabulary, it is important that you use a wider and wider variety of words with them. Don’t be afraid to use a word they might not understand yet. If they don’t know what the word means, they’ll ask you and you can give them some other synonyms.
Join the library
Generating a love of books is one of the easiest ways to increase your child’s vocabulary. Where better to do this than in the palace of books, the library.
Set aside time for reading
Once you’ve got your books from the library, your local bookshop or Amazon, get reading! You could spend 15 minutes before bed reading to your child or them reading to you. Alternatively, you could turn the TV off on a Sunday. However you do it, just make sure you set aside time for reading in your house.
Read in front of them
Your child looks up to you. Therefore, what you do in front of them matters. Reading books in front of them will show them that they should be reading too. So why not pick up some books when you’re in the library with them. If you’ve not read in a while, it won’t be long until your rekindle your love for books!
Games
There are loads of word-based games. These are great when you’re in the car on a long journey. So why not try a quick game of eye-spy to kick things off and then move on to other games. You could try playing a game like “I went to the park and I saw/took/did…” Each person has to recount the list up the point they’ve got to and add an item.
What does 11 plus mean?
It’s natural to worry about the level of your child’s vocabulary. Particularly if they are due to take the 11+ exam, and they are – dreadful gasp – a reluctant reader. There are ways you can help your child with their 11 Plus vocabulary, however.
How does Mrs Wordsmith use data science?
Mrs Wordsmith uses data science to identify the 10,000 most relevant words for academic success. It also uses vivid, engaging illustration to help children learn them. It’s amazing.
How many words should a child have in a story?
Challenge your child to come up with an awesome story: the only rule being that they have to include between five and ten vocabulary words of your choosing. Getting your child to use a new word in a sentence is the best way for you to see how well they actually understand it.
What is freerice.com?
Freerice.com is an awesome little resource that boosts your child’s vocabulary whilst doing good for the world.
Why is vocabulary important for kids?
A strong vocabulary will help your child in so many aspects of life. Most importantly, it will help them to express themselves. Whoever they are. Whether they end up a superstar Grammar student, or whether they end up perfectly happy at the local comprehensive.
How to get kids to learn vocabulary?
Scrabble, Boggle, Articulate, Trivial Pursuit… board games are an amazing way to boost your child’s vocabulary without them even realising it. Board games get brains whirring, and those like the ones above introduce new words entertainingly and organically. They’re also a great (and cheap!) way of getting the family together for some quality time. Who knows, maybe the entertainment will continue when Dad gets a little too competitive and ends up flipping the board off the table.
How can the news help children?
Jokes about the depressing state of the world aside, the news can actually be a really great way to improve your child’s vocabulary and to get them into reading.
Introduction
- With verbal reasoning a core part of the 11+ Exam, parents should be doing everything they can to improve their child’s vocabulary. It can be intimidating at first, but don’t worry! This article from PiAcademywill be breaking down everything you need to do to prepare for this extremely important element of the eleven plus. The 11 plus exam requires...
Reading Skills For 11+ Grammar School Exam
- It’s no secret that reading increases your vocabulary and improves your spelling, but did you know that reading increases your vocabulary more than talking or direct teaching? Reading forces us to look at words that we might not have seen or heard recently at the pub. In fact, language in children’s books is likely to be more sophisticated than your average conversation. What does th…
Study The 11+ Vocabulary List
- The major problem children have with 11+ vocabularyis that they are seeing the words out of context. Looking at a list is by no means definitive, but has been collated from years of tutoring children for the 11+ and 12+ exams; in my experience. These are words children commonly found difficult. These words may not appear in a real test, who knows what may turn up? The children …
Vocabulary Assessments
- Using assessment is a brilliant way to improve eleven plus vocabulary – but it is important to do it in the right way. Some students don’t respond well to checklists or quizzes. Memorising vocabulary lists can be a real chore too. But learning core vocabulary is proven to help students excel at the 11+ Exam. So, what is the best way to test your child’s knowledge? PiAcademyhas b…
Play Word Games
- The more words your child encounters and understands, the broader their day-to-day vocabulary will become. Word puzzles are a great way to increase your child’s exposure to old and new vocabulary, and to think about the different definitions of words, especially if you encourage them to use a dictionary to look up any words they're unsure of. 1. Word games can help to reinforce s…
Talking and Reading
- Probably the most important way of teaching a child new vocabulary is to first introduce the word and then place the word into context and then repeat this a few times so they really get the meaning. This is generally the way we learn when we are very young and continue to work even when we are older. The eleven plus vocabulary list is no exception. If your child asks you the me…
Conclusion
- Gaining new vocabulary can be one of the toughest parts of eleven plus preparation. If you do all of the above religiously you will be amazed at how quickly vocabulary can develop. Remember – some students can be reluctant readers. But don’t give up! Using simple strategies like the ones listed above can lead to leaps and bounds in terms of vocabulary. For all your English needs for …