The note
How schools teach it now
Schools teach alphabet order, not letter series. The 11+ strategy: write A to Z with 1 to 26 underneath. For pairs, follow the first letters on their own, then the second letters on their own, writing each jump underneath. After Z, go back to A.
5-minute kitchen-table activity
Lay out fridge magnets A to Z. Hop a counter or coin along: two hops, two hops, two hops. Ask where it lands next. Then use two coins hopping different amounts at the same time to make letter pairs.
Worked example
Find the next pair in the series: AB CE EH GK ?
- First letters: A, C, E, G jump +2 each time, so next is I.
- Second letters: B (2), E (5), H (8), K (11) jump +3, so next is N (14).
Answer: IN
Common mistakes to watch for
- Treating the pair as one item instead of following each letter separately.
- Counting the starting letter as one of the jumps.
- Forgetting to go back to A after Z.
Encouragement
- Try saying
- “Track one letter at a time. Your alphabet line makes it clear.”
- Rather than
- “Can't you see the pattern?”