Today I was learning about something called a “million-dollar offer”.Not in the money sense. But in the sense of clarity. Knowing exactly what problem you solve and why it matters. And it made me think about words. Words were the difference for my children. Not extra papers. Not rushing ahead. But having words in their toolbox. My children needed words to understand the question and answer it. They needed words to answer comprehension questions that seemed complicated. Words helped them write creative writing pieces that stood out from the rest and impressed examiners. Words are life- conversations, emails, thoughts, stories. When children have words, they can explain what they mean. They can understand what they read. They stop second-guessing themselves in tests. They express ideas clearly in writing. I saw this first-hand with my own children. It is why they passed grammar school exams. It is why I wrote the book, What’s My Word? Because once words click, everything else feels lighter. That is the vision behind our 3 Day Vocabulary Challenge. No memorising lists. This challenge is about helping children notice words, understand them and use them naturally through stories, conversation and everyday thinking. Vocabulary is often the quiet reason children struggle later on. Not because they cannot read.But because the words slowly become harder, denser, and more precise. This vocabulary challenge runs live at 5.30 pm on 26th, 27th and 28th January. The workbook is currently being finalised and links will be sent a few days before. This may not be for everyone. That is absolutely fine. But for some of you, I know this is the missing piece you have been thinking about. If that is you, you can join us here https://the11plusjourney.co.uk/product/the-vocabulary-challenge-january-2026/ Places usually fill quickly.

Worksheets for classes every week- Get them from Classroom - Year 4 or 5 Learning Vault Links to join weekly classes and links to join parents' sessions & Challenges- Calendar. BOFA- How to use BOFA How to do extra work on EPRB I have opened up a few spaces for ultra-low-cost tuition in years 4 and 5. Want in? Message me today.

I wanted to share something important with you, especially as we head into the January holidays. Vocabulary is often the quiet deal breaker in the 11+. Not because children cannot read.But because as the years go on, the words become harder, denser and more precise. At the beginning, children cope. Later on, vocabulary becomes the barrier. This is exactly why we are running our 3-day Vocabulary Challenge this January. It is designed to show children how to build a strong vocabulary bank through everyday experiences, reading together, and family conversations. No memorising endless lists. No dry teaching.Just practical strategies that stick. If you are interested in the thinking behind this approach, this short video is well worth watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTn7IEwygDs The challenge will run live at 5.30 pm each day on 26th, 27th and 28th January 2026. It is suitable for children in Years 4 to 6 and will be taught by Sheena Ager, author of over 16 vocabulary books and workbooks and hosted by us at The 11 Plus Journey. These sessions tend to fill up quickly, particularly because parents know how central vocabulary is to comprehension, verbal reasoning and confident writing. The new year is the perfect time to reset, slow down and start building vocabulary in a way that feels natural and achievable. You can book your place here https://the11plusjourney.co.uk/product/the-vocabulary-challenge-january-2026/ Thanks to all those who have booked. Please note that all instructions regarding emails are clear on the link above. You don't need to panic. I don't need to tell you... But in case you want a reminder. The places in this challenge fill up quickly, and early booking is strongly recommended. If you are part of our year 4/5 program, this challenge is part of your package. Please don't book. Your link will be on the SKOOL calendar.

I hope you are having a great week. Tonight's educator session is on making the 11+ engaging and fun, and I am excited for you all to join. If you are a parent in our year 4 or 5 program, you have your Zoom link on the SKOOL calendar. The recording and workbook will be uploaded to your learning vault. If you are not and would like to attend this session for parents, you can book a place using this link. I will email you the workbook to use later, and you will also receive a recording of the session. You can join for £5.25 using your 50 per cent discount code 50ENGAGE See you soon.

A quick note to let you know that our usual Tuesday 7 pm webinars will pause for the rest of this year. We will be back in the new year and I will email you once we are set to start the webinars again. You have taken in a lot recently, and this is a good moment to consolidate. Go back over your notes, choose one or two ideas and really put them into practice. Even one strategy used consistently can make a big difference. If you would like more help, I am running a special parent workshop on Tuesday, 10 December at 6 pm on making the 11 Plus engaging and fun. We will look at simple, practical ways to keep children motivated, turn learning into small games and challenges, and rebuild a positive rhythm at home. A little reset now can change how the whole journey feels. As a thank you for being on my mailing list, you can join for £5.25 using your 50 per cent discount code 50ENGAGE The session will be recorded, and you will receive a workbook to use at home, too. Book your place here https://the11plusjourney.co.uk/product/how-to-make-the-11-engaging-and-fun-live-parent-workshop/ When you register, please check for an initial email and mark it as not spam. If you do not receive it, email me straight away at sabah@the11plusjourney.co.uk. The Zoom link will come in a follow-up email next week. Use this December to breathe, steady things and try one new idea with your child. That shared time is an investment nothing can replace. WarmlySabah