10 Tips to Make 11 Plus Prep Enjoyable for Your Child
11 Plus prep can often feel overwhelming for both parents and children, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By incorporating creativity, motivation, and the right approach, you can turn revision sessions into something your child actually looks forward to.
Making learning engaging will not only improve their performance but also boost their confidence along the way. Here are some effective ways to make 11 Plus preparation more enjoyable for your child.
Create a Fun and Stimulating Study Environment
The right setting can make a world of difference in how your child approaches studying. A dull and cluttered space may lead to frustration, while a bright and well-organised study area can encourage focus and enthusiasm.
Try adding colourful stationery, a comfortable chair, and a study board with inspiring quotes or goals. You might even let your child personalise their space with their favourite posters or a small reward chart to track progress. A positive and inviting atmosphere can make studying feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable activity.
Turn Learning into a Game
Children naturally respond well to games, so why not integrate them into 11 Plus preparation? Quizzes, puzzles, and interactive apps can make topics like maths and verbal reasoning far more engaging. You could create a friendly competition where your child earns points for correct answers, or set up a “beat the clock” challenge to make timed practice feel more exciting.
If they enjoy board games, try adapting classic ones like Scrabble for vocabulary practice or Sudoku for logical thinking. By making learning playful, you’ll increase their enthusiasm and motivation to keep going.
Use Real-World Applications
Sometimes, children struggle to see the relevance of what they are learning. Bringing concepts into real-life situations can help them appreciate the importance of their studies.
For example, when practising maths, involve them in budgeting a grocery trip or measuring ingredients for baking. For English and comprehension, encourage them to spot persuasive writing techniques in advertisements or summarise a film they’ve recently watched.
When they see how their learning applies to everyday life, they are more likely to engage with it positively.
Keep Sessions Short and Sweet
Long and intense study sessions can quickly lead to boredom and fatigue. Instead, focus on shorter, more manageable study periods with regular breaks. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25-minute intervals followed by a short break, can be a great way to keep energy levels up.
During breaks, encourage your child to stretch, grab a snack, or do something they enjoy. A refreshed mind is far more receptive to learning, and shorter sessions help maintain concentration without feeling overwhelming.
Reward Effort, Not Just Results
Children thrive on positive reinforcement, so acknowledging their hard work rather than just their scores can be incredibly motivating. Praise their persistence, creativity, and progress, rather than focusing solely on test results.
Small incentives, such as an extra story at bedtime, a favourite treat, or a fun weekend activity, can serve as great rewards. However, make sure these rewards don’t become the sole focus—encouraging a sense of accomplishment from within will help them develop a love for learning that extends beyond the 11 Plus.
Make Reading an Enjoyable Habit
Reading is a fundamental skill for success in the 11 Plus, but it shouldn’t feel like a forced task. Instead of pushing difficult texts, allow your child to explore books that genuinely interest them. Comic books, adventure stories, or even engaging non-fiction can all contribute to language development.
Reading together as a family or discussing stories over dinner can further reinforce a love for books. If they see reading as something fun rather than another part of studying, their comprehension and vocabulary skills will naturally improve.
Encourage a Growth Mindset
One of the most important lessons your child can learn during 11 Plus prep is that intelligence isn’t fixed—it grows with effort and practice. Encourage them to see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures. If they struggle with a particular question, help them understand the solution rather than dwelling on getting it wrong.
Remind them that every challenge they overcome is making them stronger and more prepared. A positive and resilient attitude will not only help with the 11 Plus but will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.
Keep the Pressure Off
It’s natural to want the best for your child, but excessive pressure can lead to anxiety and reluctance to study. Try to keep conversations about the 11 Plus positive, focusing on the effort they’re putting in rather than creating a sense of fear around the exam.
Make sure they know that while doing well is important, their happiness and well-being matter more. By maintaining a relaxed and supportive approach, your child will be more likely to stay motivated and enjoy the learning process.
Balance Study with Play
A well-rounded routine is key to preventing burnout. Ensure your child has enough time for hobbies, sports, and relaxation alongside their study schedule. Physical activity, in particular, helps with concentration and reduces stress.
Whether it’s playing outside, doing arts and crafts, or simply having some downtime, these moments of fun will help them return to study sessions feeling refreshed and ready to learn. A balanced approach keeps motivation high and prevents 11 Plus prep from feeling like an endless task.
Make It a Team Effort
Children often find studying more enjoyable when they have a sense of support. Join in with their learning where possible—this could be through discussing tricky questions together, role-playing exam scenarios, or even acting out comprehension passages.
If they have friends also preparing for the 11 Plus, occasional study meet-ups can add a social element to revision. A sense of teamwork and shared experience can make the process feel less isolating and far more enjoyable.
Summary
By approaching 11 Plus prep with creativity, encouragement, and balance, you can transform what might otherwise be a stressful period into a rewarding journey. When your child enjoys learning, they are more likely to stay engaged, perform well, and carry a positive attitude towards education long after the exam is over.
