Chelmsford mum wrote:Hi David,
Moved, who moderates this section will be along tonight and I know she has lots of good advice re specific resources.So I won't muddy the waters by giving my own too.She has a very specific and proven order in which to work through materials and is an expert in the Essex 11+.
Just wanted to say really that it isn't at all late to be starting.I feel Easter is ample time to prepare.I know you meet lots of people who have been doing prep for ages but I know many, myself included, who started long after Easter.So don't worry - plenty of time and lots of good advice will come your way later.
Good luck.
Thank you CM.
No worries at all about starting now. I like to begin with pupils in January of year 5, but my own daughter didn't really get going until the summer holidays.
For maths and English work through the Bond books. Start with fourth papers and build up to fifth. Make sure that tables and arithmetic are good. If you look through the last two papers from the CSSE it will give you a good guide as to the topics that are covered in maths. English may shock you, but then it does everyone.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/books/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This website has some papers that you can download.
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/epapers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The CSSE produce the papers for the 8 grammar schools in Essex (they are written by teachers working within the schools). The papers for 2010 and 2011 entry are available on their website.
http://www.csse.org.uk/parentalpractice ... an2011.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
For VR I would work through one type at a time to begin with. An easy way to do this is to buy some commercial papers and take one section and work through it together. Always use the answer sheet as there are short cuts. If you have to find a missing letter, then the answer sheet offers you the five choices available, much better than 26. VR problems are quite good fun to write as well so sharing some together is always good.
The following link will give you some resources for VR
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/ ... =12&t=4782" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Walsh publish an age 9-10 set of papers and these are good for not frightening the new learner. The other Walsh books though are hard and should be left until later.
This is an old link but it should take you to a sample of the Tutors CD
http://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/cd/dem ... nner-1/f0/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Listen to classic stories on CD when you are driving in the car. Enjoy games like Scrabble and Boggle. There is an excellent site for words that sends rice to the poor for each question you get correct.
http://www.freerice.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;