Strong vocabulary is one of the cornerstones of 11+ success. From comprehension to creative writing, a wide and flexible word bank helps children express themselves clearly and tackle tricky questions with confidence. But vocabulary isn’t just about memorising long lists. It’s about nurturing curiosity, noticing words in the world around us and learning how to use them naturally.
For families aiming at selective schools, vocabulary growth can feel like another big task on the to-do list. Yet with the right approach, it can be enjoyable and rewarding, giving your child not just exam readiness but skills they’ll carry well into secondary school and beyond.
Here are practical, encouraging ways to help your child improve vocabulary for the 11+.
Reading widely and well
Reading is the richest source of vocabulary growth. But not all reading stretches children equally. If your child only sticks to familiar favourites, they may not encounter the range of language they’ll need for the 11+.
The goal is to guide them towards books that challenge them without overwhelming. Think of it like a step ladder: each book should be just high enough to stretch their reach, but not so far that they lose confidence.
Classics like A Little Princess and Goodnight Mister Tom expose children to classic descriptive language, and some newer texts such as No Ballet Shoes in Syria and Northern Lights are excellent choices that engage the reader in a unique plot. Non-fiction on topics they love like space, explorers or historical events introduces precise vocabulary in context.
Even poetry anthologies or playscripts can broaden their ear for language. The poetry anthology edited by Allie Esiri ‘A Poem for Every Day of the Year’ is a great place to start, reading aloud and discussing together as a family.
You don’t need to hand them a big book and expect them to devour it. Read the first chapter together, pausing to wonder aloud about unfamiliar words. “What do you think melancholy means here? How does it fit the character’s mood?” Showing your own curiosity encourages them to think about words as living tools rather than hurdles.
Keeping a vocabulary journal
A small notebook can turn word-learning into a personal project. Encourage your child to jot down new words they encounter, along with their meaning and a sentence of their own. For example:
- Word: Reluctant
- Meaning: Unwilling, hesitant
- Sentence: “She was reluctant to open the creaky door.”
The act of writing reinforces memory, while using the word in a sentence shows they’ve really grasped it.
This journal shouldn’t feel like homework. Encourage your child to decorate it and to keep it tucked in their schoolbag for quick notes. Every few weeks, flick through together and spot which words have naturally slipped into their writing or conversation. That sense of progress is often more motivating than ticking boxes.
Making vocabulary playful
Children learn more when they’re having fun. Word games turn what could feel like revision into a family activity.
- Word of the day: Choose a word at breakfast and challenge the family to weave it naturally into conversation. The sillier the attempts, the more memorable it becomes.
- Synonym swap: Pick a simple word like happy and see how many alternatives you can come up with: joyful, content, delighted, elated.
- Charades with adjectives: Act out timid, furious or graceful. Children love the challenge, and the word sticks because they’ve embodied it.
- Car journey bingo: Print out a list of recent vocabulary and cross off words if you see or hear them on signs, radio or even overheard conversations.
Games like Scrabble, Boggle or Bananagrams also slip in word-building without pressure. For children preparing for the 11+, these moments of lightness balance the seriousness of exam prep.
Writing practice with rich vocabulary
Reading and playing with words gives children input. Writing gives them output and the chance to practise. Creative writing is a particularly powerful tool.
Start with short prompts: “Describe a stormy night without using the word ‘rain.’” or “Write about a character who is nervous, but don’t say they are nervous, show it.”
These exercises encourage children to search for precise, expressive language. Instead of writing “He was scared,” they might try “His hands trembled as he crept forward.” That’s the kind of detail that lifts their writing in the 11+.
When reviewing their work, resist the urge to correct every small slip. Highlight the adventurous word choices. Saying, “I love how you used ‘darted’ instead of ‘ran’, it paints such a strong picture,” builds confidence and keeps them experimenting.
Conversations that grow vocabulary naturally
Children pick up as much from listening as they do from reading. Everyday conversations can be rich ground for vocabulary if you’re intentional.
Try using a slightly more advanced word yourself, then explain it casually. “That’s a very peculiar noise, isn’t it? Peculiar means unusual.” Linking new words to real experiences makes them stick.
Encourage your child to ask if they hear something unfamiliar, whether in conversation, on the radio or in a film. Show enthusiasm when they ask, as curiosity should always feel welcome.
You can also model swapping in synonyms: “That cake was delicious, or scrumptious, or mouth-watering. Which word do you like best?” These mini conversations teach flexibility and nuance, which are invaluable for comprehension and creative writing tasks.
Building word roots and patterns
For older children approaching the 11+, exploring word roots can unlock a huge number of meanings. Knowing that spect relates to seeing (inspect, spectator, perspective) or that dict relates to speaking (predict, dictate, contradict) helps children decode unfamiliar words in exam passages.
This doesn’t have to be formal Latin lessons. Even pointing out these patterns in passing builds a toolkit they can draw on under pressure. It’s about equipping them to puzzle out meaning independently rather than panic when faced with an unknown word.
Encouragement over perfection
The 11+ journey can sometimes tempt families to focus on every wrong answer. But with vocabulary, progress shows up gradually and unevenly. A child might use a new word flawlessly one day and forget it the next. That’s normal.
Celebrate the attempts, not just the polished outcomes. A child who says, “I attempted the puzzle, but it was excruciating” might not use the word perfectly, but they’re trying. That willingness is what counts. Over time, accuracy will follow.
Moments like this matter as much as correct answers, because they nurture independence, resilience and the courage to take risks with language.
A positive next step
Improving vocabulary for the 11+ is about creating an environment where words feel exciting, useful and alive. Reading widely, keeping a word journal, playing games, writing creatively and weaving rich language into everyday life all help children build the skills they need.
At Dukes Tutoring, we believe vocabulary growth should be part of a broader journey of confidence and curiosity. Our 11+ pathways are tailored tuition to stretch each child at the right level, blending academic skill with encouragement, so they walk into the exam feeling prepared and proud of how far they’ve come.To give your child the benefit of structured, supportive preparation, get in touch with Dukes Tutoring today. Call 020 3488 0754, email info@dukestutoring.com or use our contact form to start the conversation.
