If you’re a parent applying to kindergarten at Riverdale or Horace Mann in New York City for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, you may have heard about the online First Look Insights (FLI) test. This test is designed to evaluate a child’s cognitive abilities, including Working Memory, Reasoning Skills, Auditory Skills, Verbal Skills, Number Concepts, Visual-Spatial Intelligence, and social and emotional learning (SEL). Here are some tips to help your child prepare for the FLI test and promote their cognitive and social-emotional development:
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Working Memory: Engage in activities that require children to remember and follow instructions, such as Simon Says, following a recipe, or playing memory games like “I went to the store and bought…”
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Reasoning Skills: Encourage your child to ask questions and provide explanations for things. You can also engage in problem-solving activities together, such as building with blocks or figuring out how to fit pieces together.
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Auditory Skills: Sing songs and nursery rhymes, listen to music, read books out loud, and engage in conversations with your child to help improve their listening and comprehension skills.
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Verbal Skills: Encourage your child to express themselves by asking open-ended questions and providing them with opportunities to talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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Number Concepts: Use everyday activities to teach number concepts, such as counting objects during playtime or while grocery shopping. You can also play number games like “I Spy” or use toys like shape sorters and counting blocks.
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Visual-Spatial Intelligence: Practice with your child while on Zoom from two different rooms to mimic the 1:1 virtual assessment. While on Zoom, your child can label uppercase and lowercase letters, match sounds to letters, and play memory, math, and rhyming games. This can help improve their visual-spatial abilities.
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Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Model positive behaviors, emotions, and social skills for your child. Encourage empathy by talking about how others might feel in certain situations and practice problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Remember, children learn through play, so try to incorporate these strategies into fun and engaging activities. Also, be patient and celebrate your child’s progress along the way. With consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your toddler reach their full potential.
Remember, the FLI test is just one factor that the schools will consider when making admissions decisions. By providing a supportive and positive environment, parents can help their child feel confident and ready to take on the FLI test. With the help of these tips, parents can help their child prepare for the FLI test and improve their cognitive abilities for a successful academic journey. Lastly, don’t forget to equip your child with headphones while practicing for the FLI test to ensure a seamless experience during the assessment.
Do you want professional assistance preparing your child for the FLI? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today!
