How often should my child review flashcards using spaced repetition?

Aim for short daily sessions of five to ten minutes rather than one long weekly block. The whole point of spaced repetition is frequent, brief contact with the material. A child who reviews ten words every day will remember far more than one who tries to cram fifty words every Saturday.

What is the forgetting curve and why does it matter for 11+ vocabulary?

The forgetting curve, first described by Hermann Ebbinghaus, shows that we lose most of what we learn within a few days unless we revisit it. Spaced repetition works by scheduling reviews just as the memory begins to fade, which strengthens it each time. For 11+ vocabulary, this means words studied in September are still accessible in November if reviews are spaced properly.

Should we use a spaced repetition app or stick with paper flashcards?

Either works well. Apps like Anki handle the scheduling automatically, which removes guesswork. Paper flashcards give children a hands-on experience and avoid screen distractions. Many families start with paper cards and move to an app once the child is comfortable with the routine.

How many new words should my child learn per week with spaced repetition?

Between five and ten new words per week is a sensible starting point. The key is that review of older words continues alongside the introduction of new ones. If the review pile grows too large, slow down on new words until the older ones feel secure.

What if my child finds spaced repetition boring?

Keep sessions very short and pair them with a small reward or routine your child already enjoys. Five minutes of flashcards before a favourite snack or TV programme can become automatic. Boredom usually comes from sessions that are too long, not from the method itself.

Spaced Repetition: The Science-Backed Way to Learn 11+ Vocabulary | Revision Techniques

Why this matters

Key Takeaway: Spaced Repetition: The Science-Backed Way to Learn 11+ Vocabulary matters because small improvements here often make the whole piece feel more controlled, confident, and easier to read.

This article will explain spaced repetition in terms a parent and child can both understand.

The practical focus is spaced, repetition, science-backed, learn.

That balance matters: enough structure to help, without turning every session into a battle.

As an aside, [adult learners use the same technique — see TalkDrill for IELTS vocabulary](https://talkdrill.com), which shows this method is not just for children preparing for the 11+.

Spaced Repetition: The Science-Backed Way to Learn 11+ Vocabulary illustration

What to focus on first

A useful way to think about this topic is to keep your attention on a few concrete moves rather than a long list of vague rules.

Spaced - works best when the routine stays simple and specific.
Repetition - helps create calmer, more reliable preparation.
Science-backed - is easier to manage when it is decided before pressure rises.
Learn - often matters more than families expect.
Vocabulary - works best when the routine stays simple and specific.

If a child can recognise these ingredients in their own work, they can edit more intelligently and practise with a purpose.

A worked example

A useful way to practise this topic is to take one small example, improve it once, then improve it again. Children usually learn more from seeing a controlled revision than from being told to just try harder.

Common mistakes to catch early

Most problems in timed writing are not mysterious. They are usually a handful of repeat mistakes that show up when the child is rushing.

trying to fix everything at once instead of focusing on one controllable habit
confusing effort with effectiveness
forgetting that exam writing rewards control more than sheer quantity

Common Mistake: Do not try to fix every weakness in one go. Choose the error that appears most often, correct it consistently, and then move on to the next one.

A practice task that actually helps

Choose one short paragraph, apply the idea from this article deliberately, and then read the before-and-after versions side by side. That comparison is where the learning sticks.

When you finish, underline the sentence or moment where you think the technique worked best. That reflection helps you repeat it next time.

Try This: Save one before-and-after example in a notebook. Seeing clear progress on the page builds confidence faster than generic praise.

Final thought

You do not need to sound like an adult writer. You need to sound clear, deliberate, and in control of what you are trying to do.

That is usually what separates solid work from stronger work in the 11+: not magic, just choices that feel purposeful from the opening line to the final sentence.

Spaced Repetition: The Science-Backed Way to Learn 11+ Vocabulary