As a parent, you know that your child’s success is a top priority. And one of the best ways to set them up for success is by nurturing their creativity and love for writing. Encouraging your child to write creatively can help them develop language skills, boost their confidence, and even set them apart in competitive exams like the 11 Plus.
Studies have shown that children who regularly engage in creative writing tend to have better writing skills and higher academic achievement than those who do not. This makes it all the more important for parents to foster their child’s creativity and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
However, preparing for the 11 Plus can be a daunting task. The 11 Plus exam is a highly competitive entrance exam that many children in the UK take to gain entry into selective secondary schools. The exam tests a range of skills, including English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. As a result, parents often feel pressure to prepare their child for the exam, but may not know where to begin.
That’s where Geek School Tutoring and 11 Plus Essay come in. These resources can help parents support their child’s creativity and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 11 Plus.
Geek School Tutoring is a leading tutoring service based in London that specialises in preparing children for competitive exams like the 11 Plus. They offer a range of resources, including online courses, workshops, and one-on-one tutoring. Their founder, Joycellyn Akuffo, is a former grammar school teacher who understands the challenges that children face when preparing for these exams.
One of the most valuable resources that Geek School Tutoring offers is their YouTube channel. This channel is packed with informative videos that cover a range of topics, from how to prepare for the 11 Plus to tips for creative writing. These videos are a great way to get your child excited about writing and to give them the skills they need to succeed in their exams.
Another great resource for parents is the 11 Plus Essay. This website offers a range of resources, including free sample essays, writing prompts, and tips for parents. They also offer an essay feedback service, where your child can submit their essay and receive personalised feedback from an expert tutor.
So, how can you inspire your child’s love for creative writing in the context of the 11 Plus? Here are some tips:
Encourage reading
Reading is a vital part of developing good writing skills. Encourage your child to read widely, both fiction and non-fiction, to expose them to different styles of writing and help them develop their own unique voice. Reading can also help expand their vocabulary, improve their grammar, and give them a better understanding of sentence structure.
Provide writing prompts
Sometimes, all it takes to get your child writing is a little nudge in the right direction. 11 Plus Essay offers a range of writing prompts that your child can use to spark their creativity. These prompts can help your child generate ideas and provide a starting point for their writing.
Practice, practice, practice
Writing is a skill that requires practice. Encourage your child to write regularly, whether it’s creative writing, journaling, or writing essays. The more they write, the more they will develop their skills and confidence.
Provide feedback
Feedback is crucial for improving writing skills. When your child writes something, take the time to read it and provide feedback. This will help them understand what they’re doing well and where they can improve. The essay feedback service offered by 11 Plus Essay is a great way to get expert feedback on your child’s writing.
Make it fun
Writing doesn’t have to be a chore. Make it fun by incorporating games, competitions, and other activities. For example, you could challenge your child to write a story in just 50 words or give them a random object and ask them to write a story about it. You could also encourage them to write letters or emails to family and friends, giving them a chance to practise their writing skills in a more personal and creative way.
Provide a supportive environment
Writing can be intimidating for children, especially if they feel like they are being judged. Create a supportive environment for your child to write in, where they feel comfortable and free to express themselves. Encourage them to experiment with different styles of writing and to take risks in their writing. Remind them that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process.
Use technology to your advantage
Technology can be a powerful tool for encouraging creativity and improving writing skills. There are a variety of apps and programs that can help your child with their writing, from grammar checkers to writing prompts. Encourage your child to use these tools to improve their writing and to make the process more engaging.
Encourage brainstorming
Brainstorming is an essential part of the writing process. Encourage your child to brainstorm ideas for their writing, whether it’s through mind maps, lists, or freewriting. This can help them generate ideas and organise their thoughts before they start writing.
Emphasise the importance of revision
Revision is a crucial part of the writing process, but many children may not realise its importance. Emphasise to your child that revising their writing can help them improve their work and make it more effective. Encourage them to revise their work multiple times, focusing on different aspects each time, such as grammar, structure, or content.
Celebrate their successes
Writing can be challenging, so it’s important to celebrate your child’s successes along the way. Whether it’s a well-written paragraph or a completed essay, take the time to acknowledge and praise their efforts. This can help boost their confidence and motivation to continue writing.
In conclusion, inspiring your child’s love for creative writing can be a great way to prepare them for competitive exams like the 11 Plus. By providing them with the tools and support they need to develop their writing skills, you can help them build confidence, expand their creativity, and stand out in the competitive world of academics. Remember to encourage reading, provide writing prompts, practice regularly, provide feedback, make it fun, create a supportive environment, use technology, emphasise revision, and celebrate their successes along the way. With these tips and resources like Geek School Tutoring and 11 Plus Essay, you can help your child succeed in the 11 Plus and beyond.
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