When children turn up to their 11+ lessons, I do not expect them to know everything! However, a good background knowledge of some of the key concepts enables them to start the work confidently.
With this in mind, I have developed a scheme of learning for year 4 pupils prior to starting their 11+ lessons in year 5. It develops key 11+ skills in maths and English grammar and punctuation. Based on neuroscience research, the work is designed to allow the brain to encode memory more effectively and deeply when it handles small chunks of learning each day. Repetition is the key.
How does it work?
For just £3 each week, I post you a sheet with 6 sections – a section to complete each weekday, and then once at the weekend. Each week has a specific topic in both maths and English e.g. rounding numbers and identifying verbs. Each day involves questions on these topics so each day the brain has to go back and remember how to do it. For the weekend section, questions are mixed and go back to what was done, for example, 2, 3, 7 or 12 weeks ago. Hence this acts as a constant revision aid.
Just in case your child needs it, each day also has an optional ‘challenge’ question. And yes, some of these are very tough for someone in year 4. And if you need assistance with any of the questions then you are always welcome to get in touch. I am happy to help!
Why aren’t the sheets sent all at once?
Motivation plays an important role. Imagine if you are sent a large pile of sheets; it could seem a little daunting to start going through them. However one or two sheets coming on a weekly basis appears far more manageable for a child, and of course there is the anticipation of the new work arriving!
Isn’t it better just to buy a workbook?
Of course, workbooks have their place in learning. They don’t, however, tend to use repetition as a basis to improve. Yes a child can do a page from a book, but they may not remember what they learnt over the long term. This is where repetition has a distinct advantage.
Neuroscience research suggests the most effective way to learn involves a mix of short frequent sessions spaced apart. The brain encodes memory more effectively and deeply when it handles little chunks with a rest in between.
Unfortunately this type of learning is used very little in schools because it is difficult to establish with a large class and doesn’t tend to fit in well with school timetables. However, learning in small chunks is ideal for the home. It is not about keeping children working for a long time because that doesn’t assist deep learning. It’s about the benefits obtained from short bursts every day.
Wherever you live in the UK, if your child is in year 4 (no matter what time of year it is) and wants to start 11+ tuition in year 5, then this work will be of huge benefit, particularly if all or part of your local grammar school´s 11+ test involves maths and English. You may also find that this work is suitable for children in, for example, year 3 or year 5, depending on their academic ability.
How do I pay?
I would send you an invoice (bank details included) at the end of each month for the number of weeks you have done. For example, if I sent you 4 weeks of learning in November, you would receive an invoice of £12 at the end of November.
I am interested so what do I now need to do?
Click on the free trial below and, if you think learning like this would be of benefit to your child, send me your name, your child’s name, your address and your phone number. We can get started as soon as you like!
Contact me on 07999781257 or info@mbowertutoring.co.uk
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