R, the 10yo, will be sitting his 11+ tomorrow. UK readers will know
that is the exam that decides which school he goes to next year. Will
it be the fast-paced academic school - known as a grammer school - or the
school for the less academically able.

The exam tests "verbal reasoning", or how well you can do certain kinds
of word puzzles. R's strengths lie in his maths ability, although he
has good results in past verbal reasoning tests. He's been working really
hard for the last couple of weeks: he is certainly capable of doing well
at the grammer, but some of the kids will have been practising for months.
You can even get books for 7yos, "working towards the 11+".

We had a calm evening: he practised a few more techniques. He couldn't go
outside because it was raining, but he did get his favourite supper, and
a dessert he likes. He was in bed at a reasonable time, and everything was
going fine.

Until a few minutes ago. One of his baby teeth has come out. An hour after
bedtime. On the night he really needs to get a decent night's sleep.

Oh well, the other school gets good results too.

--
Penny Gaines
UK mum to three