As a parent, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their education. The 11 Plus exams are highly competitive and can determine which secondary school your child will attend. Therefore, preparing them for this exam is crucial. One of the components of the 11 Plus is creative writing, which can be daunting for some children. However, with the right approach, teaching 11 Plus creative writing can be enjoyable and fun. In this blog post, we will share tips and advice on how to teach 11 Plus creative writing in a way that is engaging and effective.
The Importance of 11 Plus Creative Writing
It is essential to understand the significance of 11 Plus creative writing and the skills it assesses. Creative writing is a form of self-expression that allows children to unleash their imagination and creativity. The ability to write a story with a beginning, middle, and end while engaging the reader is a critical skill that can be applied in various aspects of life.
Apart from that, creative writing tests a child’s ability to use descriptive language, dialogue, and character development. These skills are not only essential for the 11 Plus exam but also in their future academic and professional life. In academic writing, students are required to write essays and reports that require them to use descriptive language and develop characters. In professional life, good writing skills are highly valued, and employees are expected to produce clear and concise reports, emails, and other written communication.
Furthermore, research has shown that children who are good at creative writing tend to do better academically. According to a study by the National Literacy Trust, children who enjoy writing score higher in English exams, and those who write for pleasure are more likely to write at or above the expected level for their age. The study also found that children who enjoy writing have higher self-esteem, better problem-solving skills, and are more likely to have a positive attitude towards learning.
Therefore, encouraging your child to develop their creative writing skills from an early age can have a positive impact on their academic and personal life. It can help them to become better communicators, develop critical thinking skills, and boost their confidence. Moreover, it can provide them with a lifelong skill that can be applied in various aspects of their life.
Tips for Teaching 11 Plus Creative Writing
Encourage Reading
Reading is fundamental to developing writing skills. Reading helps children to expand their vocabulary, sentence structure, and knowledge of grammar. Encourage your child to read books that interest them, and then ask them questions about what they have read. This will help them to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse and understand the structure of stories.
Provide Writing Prompts
Sometimes, the hardest part of creative writing is coming up with a topic. Providing your child with writing prompts can help them to focus on the task at hand. You can find writing prompts online or create your own. For example, you can ask your child to write a story about a time-travelling adventure or a story about a magical creature.
Use Visual Aids
Visual aids can help children to visualise the story they are writing. For example, if your child is writing a story about a beach, you can show them pictures of beaches or videos of waves crashing on the shore. This will help them to describe the scene in more detail and engage the reader.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any skill, creative writing takes practice. Encourage your child to write regularly, whether it’s a short story or a paragraph. This will help them to develop their writing skills and build their confidence.
Get Feedback
Feedback is essential to improving writing skills. Encourage your child to share their work with you, and then provide constructive feedback. This can help them to identify areas where they need to improve and build their confidence.
Join a Writing Group
Joining a writing group can be a fun and engaging way to develop writing skills. Writing groups provide a supportive environment where children can share their work and receive feedback. Geek School Tutoring offers a range of writing workshops and courses that can help your child to develop their creative writing skills.
Geek School Tutoring and 11 Plus Essay
Geek School Tutoring and 11 Plus Essay are two excellent resources for teaching 11 Plus creative writing. Geek School Tutoring offers a range of writing workshops and courses, including the 11 Plus Creative Writing Course. This course teaches children how to structure and plan their stories, use descriptive language, and develop characters. The course also includes practice exams and feedback from experienced tutors.
11 Plus Essay offers a range of resources for teaching 11 Plus creative writing, including a book titled “Creative Writing for the 11+.” This book provides guidance on how to write stories, descriptions, and essays, as well as tips on how to plan, structure, and edit written work. The book also includes sample essays and feedback from experienced tutors.
Both Geek School Tutoring and 11 Plus Essay offer valuable resources for teaching 11 Plus creative writing. In addition to their courses and books, they also provide useful tips and advice on their websites. For example, 11 Plus Essay recommends using sensory language and creating a strong opening to engage the reader. They also suggest using dialogue to develop character and plot.
In conclusion, teaching 11 Plus creative writing can be a fun and engaging experience for both you and your child. Encouraging your child to read, providing writing prompts, using visual aids, practising regularly, getting feedback, and joining a writing group are all effective ways to improve their writing skills. Geek School Tutoring and 11 Plus Essay offer valuable resources and courses to help your child succeed in the 11 Plus exam. By following these tips and utilising these resources, you can help your child develop the skills they need to succeed in their academic and personal life.
