As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to ensure your child is prepared for their 11 Plus exams. And for many, creative writing can be the most challenging part of the test. But don’t worry, there are ways to nurture your child’s creativity and help them excel in their writing skills. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some useful tips, backed up by research and statistics, on how to help your child improve their creative writing skills for the 11 Plus exams.
Why Is Creative Writing Important?
Before we dive into how to improve your child’s writing skills, let’s take a moment to understand why creative writing is so important. Creative writing is a vital skill that allows children to express themselves, think critically, and explore their imagination. Writing also helps develop language skills and improves reading comprehension. In fact, research has shown that children who engage in creative writing are more likely to perform better in other subjects such as maths and science. Additionally, strong writing skills are essential for academic and professional success in the future.
The Importance of 11 Plus Exams
11 Plus exams are highly competitive and selective, with many grammar schools requiring a high level of proficiency in creative writing. With limited places available, children need to perform exceptionally well in these exams to secure a place in a grammar school. In 2020, over 100,000 children sat the 11 Plus exam, with only around 30% passing. It’s no surprise that parents are feeling the pressure to prepare their children adequately for these exams.
How to Improve Your Child’s Creative Writing Skills
Now that we understand the importance of creative writing and the pressure of 11 Plus exams, let’s explore some tips on how to improve your child’s writing skills.
Encourage Reading
One of the most effective ways to improve your child’s writing skills is to encourage reading. Reading not only expands your child’s vocabulary but also exposes them to different writing styles and genres. Reading can also inspire your child’s writing and help them develop their own unique voice.
Practice Writing Every Day
Just like with any skill, practice makes perfect. Encourage your child to write something every day, whether it’s a short story, a diary entry, or a poem. This helps develop their writing skills and keeps their creativity flowing.
Provide Feedback
Providing feedback on your child’s writing is essential. It helps them understand what they are doing well and what they need to improve on. But remember to be constructive and encourage them to keep writing.
Attend a Creative Writing Workshop
Attending a creative writing workshop can help your child develop their writing skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. At Geek School Tutoring, we offer a range of creative writing workshops for children aged 8-11. Our workshops focus on developing your child’s creativity, building their confidence, and improving their writing skills.
Get Expert Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s writing skills or want to ensure they are fully prepared for their 11 Plus exams, consider getting expert support. Geek School Tutoring offers one-to-one tuition for children preparing for their 11 Plus exams. Our tutors are experienced and knowledgeable, and can provide your child with the personalised support they need to excel in their writing skills.
11 Plus Essay
Another useful resource for preparing your child for the 11 Plus exams is 11 Plus Essay. This online platform provides children with access to a range of practice papers and feedback on their writing. The platform is designed to help children develop their writing skills and prepare for the 11 Plus exams.
At 11 Plus Essay, children can submit their writing for feedback from experienced tutors. Tutors provide detailed feedback on structure, content, and grammar, highlighting areas for improvement and providing tips on how to enhance their writing. This feedback is essential for improving your child’s writing skills and ensuring they are fully prepared for the 11 Plus exams.
Useful Tips from 11 Plus Essay
In addition to providing practice papers and feedback, 11 Plus Essay also offers useful tips on how to improve your child’s writing skills. Here are some tips from their website:
Plan Before Writing
Before your child starts writing, encourage them to take a few minutes to plan their ideas. This can help them organise their thoughts and ensure they stay on track when writing.
Use Varied Sentence Structures
Using varied sentence structures can make your child’s writing more engaging and interesting to read. Encourage them to use a mix of short and long sentences to add rhythm and flow to their writing.
Show, Don’t Tell
Encourage your child to show their ideas through descriptive language rather than just telling the reader what is happening. This can help make their writing more engaging and immersive.
Use Powerful Words
Encourage your child to use powerful words that evoke emotion and create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. Using strong adjectives and verbs can help make their writing more impactful.
Improving your child’s creative writing skills is essential for success in the 11 Plus exams and beyond. Encouraging your child to read, practice writing every day, providing feedback, attending a creative writing workshop, and getting expert support can all help improve their writing skills. Additionally, platforms like 11 Plus Essay can provide useful practice papers and feedback to help prepare your child for the 11 Plus exams. By nurturing your child’s creativity and writing skills, you are giving them the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally in the future.
