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Testing season is an uncertain and stressful time for any parent. But parents of shy children have even more to worry about this time of the year. If your child is shy, not only must you prepare him for the test, but you also have to get him comfortable with the idea of being tested by a stranger. When your child is more comfortable behind your legs than engaging with the world around him, he has steep hurdles to clear when it comes to school and testing.

At FasTracKids / Eye Level Learning Center, we hear from countless parents who come to us with concerns about how their shy child will respond to the stranger who will be testing him. Having a shy child just adds another level of complexity to early education--what is for most parents, already a head-spinning experience.

If your child is shy, there are several ways that you can help him/her come out of their shell for testing. If your shy child is being tested by a psychologist, you are in luck! Typically, IQ tests like the Stanford-Binet and Woodcock Johnson are administered by psychologists. Psychologists are generally well-trained at warming children up. They have experience bringing out a child’s natural intelligence during a testing situation. Typically, psychologists are allowed to encourage a child, redirect her thoughts and even sometimes repeat a question. So if your child is shy and needs encouragement to do her best, a psychologist is the ideal proctor to administer a test.

Unfortunately, proctors for public school tests (including most Gifted & Talented entry exams) generally cannot do any of the things that psychologists are allowed to do. These proctors are trained to be neutral and not to give feedback or special attention to students. They cannot encourage a child, or repeat a question, or tell them the answer is right. If your child is taking a test from a public school proctor, you’ll have to work a little harder to help her prepare for the test.

This means that in the weeks before the exam, when you are working with your child, you will want to slowly decrease -- and eventually stop altogether -- any feedback or encouragement that you give in response to her answers. This will help your child to not expect any such feedback during the test itself.

If your child is incredibly shy, let the tester know as soon as you can so that they are aware of your child’s disposition. Hopefully, the proctor will be sensitive to your child. The day before your child’s test, walk him past the school and go into the room he will be tested in, if you are allowed. This will reduce anxiety on test day, since your child will be familiar with his surroundings. Once test day is upon you, tell your child you will be waiting for him right outside! Tell them that the proctor just wants to find out what kids his age know, and that his job is to help her with that project. Your child will be eager to help, and will take his job seriously. If your child is really nervous, try acting the testing process out so he can see that there’s nothing to be worried about.

It’s critically important to confront a shy or anxious child’s problems head on, well in advance of the test. Sending a shy or anxious child into the test without first addressing her natural concern and anxiety almost guarantees that her score won’t match her potential thereby forfeiting a coveted seat in your top choice of a gifted and talented program in your area.

At FasTracKids / Eye Level Learning Center our students have access to our Core Program which focuses on developing a child’s assertiveness and confidence. Through video-taped presentations and constant questioning by teachers in the classroom, children learn to communicate their ideas effectively in front of others. FasTracKids learn how to overcome their shyness and tackle any problem or situation head on!

Given that many Gifted and Talented and private school entry exams are coming up in the months ahead, now is the time to start preparing your child for the test both academically and emotionally. Call (718) 260-8100 today for more information about FasTracKids’ educational programs and tutoring.

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