As parents, we all want to give our children the best possible tools for success, especially when they are preparing for the 11+ exams. One of the most effective ways to support their development, both academically and personally, is by encouraging regular reading. Here's why reading plays such a key role in helping children prepare for the 11+ and some recommendations for great books to get them started.
1. Expands Vocabulary
Reading exposes children to a wide variety of words, helping to expand their vocabulary and improve language skills. This becomes particularly important for verbal reasoning and comprehension sections of the 11+ exams, where having a broad vocabulary can give children a real advantage.
2. Improves Comprehension Skills
The ability to quickly read and understand different types of text is crucial for 11+ success. Regular reading sharpens comprehension skills, teaching children how to identify key information, make inferences, and understand complex ideas—all of which are tested in the exam.
3. Develops Focus and Concentration
Reading is a fantastic way to build focus and concentration, both of which are essential for long exam papers. By encouraging your child to read longer books or chapters, you're helping them develop the stamina needed for the 11+, where they’ll be required to maintain attention across multiple sections.
4. Enhances Creative Writing
Good writing comes from reading. By seeing how authors structure their stories, use descriptive language, and develop characters, children naturally improve their own writing skills. Many 11+ exams include a creative writing component, and strong reading habits will help your child shine in this area.
5. Nurtures Critical Thinking
Many books challenge young readers to think critically about the plot, characters, and messages. This type of thinking is vital for problem-solving and logical reasoning, both of which feature heavily in the 11+ exams. Reading helps children analyse information and come up with creative solutions—valuable skills they’ll need for the exam and beyond.
Recommended Books
To help your child get started, here are some wonderful books that are both engaging and challenging for 8-10 year olds:
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis A classic fantasy that expands imagination while introducing rich language and complex themes.
"Matilda" by Roald Dahl Matilda’s story is perfect for children who enjoy quirky humor and strong characters, while also introducing more advanced vocabulary.
"The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster This clever book is filled with wordplay and puzzles that will keep children thinking and laughing as they read.
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan A thrilling adventure that also teaches Greek mythology and encourages readers to think critically about character choices and consequences.
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett A beautifully written book that fosters empathy and shows the power of transformation, with plenty of opportunities for vocabulary growth.
"Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer This action-packed series challenges readers to follow a complex plot while also enjoying fast-paced adventures.
"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White A gentle story of friendship and kindness, with rich descriptions and a variety of vocabulary.
You can find even more recommendations on our Progress Academy recommended books page.
These books will not only help prepare your child for the 11+, but they’ll also foster a lifelong love of reading.
Encouraging your child to read regularly is one of the most powerful ways you can support their preparation for the 11+. By making reading a fun and rewarding habit, you'll be setting them up for success—not just in the exam, but in life.
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