11 Plus Exams Forum

DD is not coping well with Reading Comprehension papers and scoring around 56%.

How can I help her? She will be doing the GL papers.

Can anyone recommend any good books to help?

She enjoys reading but maybe doesn't challenge herself enough?

She's an August birthday too and this is really worrying me.

Thanks in advance.

Teaching children to answer comprehension question is tricky.
It is one of those things that is developed over time with some practice.

I would suggest not to focus too much on the marks but get some of the Bond books and practice over the summer.
Ensure she is reading the text and is able to understand it before going on to answer the questions, do not focus on the time, let her take as much time as she needs.

Also, over the summer break get her to read some fiction books, whatever she likes. This will certainly help

We used the CGP ten minute tests; there are 31 in the book. Started off guiding her through how to do them without time limits, then gradually eased off until she was working independently. They are tougher than GL, so don't be worried by any low % scores.

Are they on par with CEM exam level... DD has had a few low scores with cgp ten minute comprehension

Alot of people suggested that DD did alot of reading.... and not worry too about doing comprehension. I agree that reading is important, but doing some comprehension is also important as it involves getting the technique right... e.g.

skimming
looking out for tricky phases
what to do when you dont understand a word etc

I dont think you can pick up the above skills simply by reading classic books.

Maybe I am wrong.... I dont know how to improve comprehension but I guess its just practice. Being an August born also makes it unequal as the child has less life experience.... months count at this stage I guess.

f4t