Enthusiastic mom to pre schooler

[Kamimi]

Hi this is my first post on this forum.
I have a relatively bright three year old son and with the correct nurturing I feel that he could do very well. I want to gear him towards GS since there are plenty of good ones only a few miles from where we live. What can I do from a very early age to give him a headstart and are the tests for the KE GS's different to the KE indies and how do the scholarships work?

What did you do with your child to prepare for 11 plus from young age.

Please help.

[yoyo123]

The best thing you can do , regardless of GS, is to play and talk to him. Count things, read books together, make things, talk about your day and lots of make believe and exploring the world. It will help his development and you will have great fun together in the process.

[Tinkers]

Encourage him to ask questions, and if you don't know the answer, look it up together.

[yoyo123]

Definitely!

I have fond memories of " MUM, why do a dog's ears move round and mine don't?..."

[Belinda]

There are a 1001 things you can (and will) do with your DS over the coming years. In addition to what, also think how.
If I may advise on one thing it would be that 11+ and schooling in general is one small part of your DS's overall childhood and development. For some, it appears to take up (physically and emotionally) a much bigger chunk of childhood than it should - both for the parents and kids! Whatever you do over the years ahead, make sure the 18+ goal is a healthy, happy and independent adult that can make his own choices, take responsibility and accept consequences. And keep your fingers crossed. Embrace DS's interests, whatever they are, and keep a healthy perspective.
Best wishes.

Edited to add: To think for themselves!

[Belinda]

I have fond memories of " MUM, why do a dog's ears move round and mine don't?..."

Yoyo, wasn't it your DS who wanted to be a guard dog when he grew up?

[laluna]

Read, read, read!

[yoyo123]

I have fond memories of " MUM, why do a dog's ears move round and mine don't?..."

Yoyo, wasn't it your DS who wanted to be a guard dog when he grew up?

it was

[Slogger]

So why do a dog's ears go round? I'm intrigued!

[modernista]

Reading does not need to be like a chore although being strict about setting a time for it helps. Snuggle under a blanket and read something fun. This reinforces the idea that reading is entertaining rather than a 'good' thing. Good language comprehension and writing ability are an essential basis for understanding and writing sensible answers in exams in later life.