Gifted & Talented in NYC – What You May Not Know
Here is a list of 10 Essential things you may not know about the NYC Gifted & Talented Program. It comes from The Kindergarten Shuffle Movie website, a movie I’ve written about in earlier posts. The movie premiers tomorrow at 8:00 p.m. at Anthology Film Archives at 8:00 p.m. Click HERE if you are interested in attending. I’d love to go but I won’t be in NYC tomorrow!
ESSENTIAL LISTS
Ten things you might not know about the Gifted and Talented Program
1. The DOE has G&T testing and placement over the summer for people who move to the city later in the year. There are no waitlists for the G&T program.
2. You must rank all schools to be guaranteed a spot at a district G&T program if your child scores above the 90th percentile. A seat at a citywide program is not guaranteed no matter how high the score.
3. There are only enough citywide G&T spots to accommodate about 1/3rd of children who score in the 99th percentile, even though the official policy is to take children who score in the 97th and above. Citywide G&T spots very rarely open up after Kindergarten. (It’s still worth a shot though). Siblings will get a spot with a score of 97 and above.
4. Citywide G&T programs accelerate the curriculum by about a year. The local G&T programs do not accelerate. (They are ‘enriched’)
5. G&T scores are normed by age in three-month intervals.
6. The difference between a score of 98 and a 99 is perhaps one question.
7. Anecdotally, girls are scoring better than boys.
8. The G&T test currently uses a combination of a ‘readiness’ test and an ‘abilities’ test.
9. For child with exceptional musical talent, parents should consider the Special Music School http://kaufman-center.org/special-music-school/admissions. [Note from Karen: This is a wonderful school and you should take your child to apply there even if you can't tell if your child has musical talent. They have a special test to determine which kids have musical potential and which don't. It's unclear to parents what they are doing when they test the kids, but obviously they have it figured out. My friends who have sent their kids to this school love it.]
10. If there is a problem with the OLSAT testing conditions (such as a child getting sick), parents must alert the DOE within 48 hours of the test.
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Getting In…Kindergarten, A Film by Pamela French
Here is a documentary that was produced and directed by a very talented filmmaker (and my friend), Pamela French. Enjoy!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Kindergarten Admissions – It’s About Finding the RIGHT – Not the BEST – School
Yesterday, I received this note from my friend, Andrea Bardach, a New York City mom. We’ve known each other since our kids were little and one of the things we shared (and commiserated over through the years) was the fact that both our daughters struggled with learning issues. The problems weren’t apparent when our girls were very young. So, like most NYC parents, we wanted them to go to the “best” school we could possibly get them into – Spence, Dalton, Trinity – these brand-named schools were at the top of our list. In her note to me, Andrea makes the point about how important it is to find the RIGHT school for your child vs. the BEST school you can get your child into. Here’s what she said:
“Karen…I am very interested in what you are doing regarding academic testing for children. It is about time and my only wish is that your book and materials had been on the market 18 years sooner.
We adopted our daughter at birth. She developed at a normal pace, has always been healthy and beautiful. She was particularly active. We moved from England to New York City when she was two years old. I immediately located all my contacts who could help me get into the ‘best preschools.’
Our daughter wound up at the premier preschool in the city and during the last year took the ERB’s to get her into the right kindergarten. The test results were mixed, very good in some areas and not so good in others. In fact all the private schools suggested that she wait another year before starting kindergarten. She did get accepted at 3 schools the second time around, but half way through kindergarten we were told to have her tested.
The story goes on and on but what I’m trying to say is that for many, many years our daughter went to the wrong school for her. When she became a teenager the mis-match became even more obvious.
If I were able to do it all over, I would have loved to have had your materials. Many well-intentioned professionals never told us that the mainstream education we were providing our daughter was not in her best interest. Many well-intentioned professionals gave us some questionable advice including not changing to what would have been a better school for her. I believe that our daughter was not ever, with possibly one exception, in the right school for her. I hope that you will be able to help others…not to mention that amazingly large amount of money that they could save.”
I certainly hope that your child doesn’t end up struggling with learning issues. But what I want to say to you now, as you begin your search for the right kindergarten, is to really put your energy into looking for what feels like the best possible FIT for your child. Don’t be swayed by what you hear on the playground about THIS being the BEST school or THAT being the BEST school. There IS no BEST school. There is only that school where your child is so comfortable and at home and in the right place that he is learning and thriving and enjoying every day in the classroom. If you can find that, you’ve given your child the best gift you can give him. How do you know if you’ve found the right fit? I offer many checklists on my site to help. But the most important thing to look out for is a deep feeling in your heart of being “home,” a knowing that this place and these teachers and administrators are “just right” for your child and family – The old “Three Bears” test.
I hope that the school you find this year turns out to be the right school for your child and the place she can stay for her entire education. Wouldn’t that be amazing (and easy)! But I caution you that as your child grows and matures, you will learn more about her, the kind of student she is and how she best learns. A time may come when you will need to look for a different school for her. If that happens, it’s okay. You’ll be able to find a better fit. Your child’s school years will be a journey for you and for her. Education is a big part of it. So is her social and emotional development. As carefully as you may have charted the course, be prepared to adjust mid-voyage should you encounter unexpected turbulence or storms. Children change as they grow up. With that, your expectations and dreams for your child may also have to change. When my daughter started school, I dreamed of Harvard for her. Later, I just hoped she would graduate from high school. Now she is thriving at a marvelous acting conservatory in NYC. With flexibility and an open mind, you can help your child get the perfect education for her.
Thank you Andrea for this timely reminder. It’s not about the BEST school. It’s all about the RIGHT school. It’s about knowing and doing right by your child, even when it doesn’t match what you originally thought you wanted for her.
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The First Day of School: An OLSAT and Stanford-Binet Test Prep Question Brought to Life By My Dogs #5
Today’s “First Day of School” post is a practice OLSAT and Stanford-Binet test question to get your child ready for gifted and talented testing. It is brought to life by Max and all the other dogs who attend the Wednesday afternoon puppy socialization class at Nadine’s in Miami. Even if your child isn’t taking an IQ test, this activity is great for building your child’s memory, receptive and expressive language skills.
In a common type question on the OLSAT test, your child is shown a picture of three dogs (for example). One is named Joey, One is named Chippy, and one is named Tinker. The child is told that Joey enjoys chasing doodle bugs. Chippy enjoys chewing grass. Tinker enjoys chasing his tail. Then the child is asked, what does Joey enjoy? What does Chippy enjoy? What does Tinker enjoy? The child has to listen carefully because the question can’t be repeated (since receptive language and memory skills are being assessed). Watch the video together and read the words to the story. Then ask your child the questions below.
To make this a Stanford-Binet type question, watch the video together and read the words to the story. Then ask your child to tell you in her own words what happened in the story. “Tell me more?” “What else?” The actual images on an OLSAT and Stanford-Binet question are static versus the moving images on this video. On the Stanford-Binet, the child has to interpret the image without any words being read to her. But doing this activity with your child will build the same underlying skill sets needed for both tests.
1. What is the name of the dog who is going to his first day of school? (Max/Maxi)
2. Why is Max staying next to his mommy instead of playing with the other dogs? (He was shy, afraid)
3. What does it mean to be “shy?” (This question is modeled after one found on the WPPSI-III)
4. Have you ever felt shy? Why? Tell me what happened? (This isn’t a test question, but it will help your child use expressive language to talk about his feelings)
5. What happened that made Max like school in the end? (He made a friend)
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OLSAT Test Prep Game: Build Your Child’s Listening Skills!
Having strong listening skills are especially important for children taking the OLSAT, although they are vital to any IQ test your child takes. Many times on intelligence tests, questions can’t be repeated because listening skills (or receptive language) is being evaluated. This game will help your child practice her listening skills. It is a good game to play while traveling. You’ll list 3 words for your child. Two will be the same and one will be different. Your child should listen carefully, then call out the word that was the same. In the first example below, she would call out the word “head.” Here are some words to start with:
- head-straw-head
- match-match-present
- crib-scissors-crib
- ruler-dog-dog
- cheese-foot-cheese
- girl-girl-boy
- four-three-three
- bat-cat-cat
- bone-bone-home
- one-two-two
- green-blue-green
- B-C-C
- tree-bush-bush
- door-knob-door
- car-cat-car
You can play a different version of this game by having your child call out the different word (letter or number). Play one round where she calls out the same word and another round where she calls out different words. I wouldn’t suggest mixing the rules within one round as it may get too confusing for your child.
This activity builds listening skills, teaches your child to follow directions, strengthens language skills, and enhances thinking skills (same vs. different).
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Testing For Kindergarten – The Movie
The Kindergarten Shuffle
Take a gander at the trailer for an upcoming movie about getting into school in NYC. Looks like it’ll be informative and juicy at the same time.
The Kindergarten Admissions process in New York City is a frightening mess. Spots at locally zoned public schools are subject to lottery. Private kindergartens are more competitive than top universities. Navigating specialized programs, such as Gifted and Talented requires IQ testing and again, a lottery.
The Kindergarten Shuffle is a movie designed to help negotiate the difficult process by showing four parents going through an entire year. The 93 minute docu-drama follows a mother and her friends through the public and private school process. We witness first hand a child taking an IQ test, a mother touring public, private, and Gifted Schools. And we are also privy to a private school ‘playdate’ in which children are observed and interviewed by educators.
Writer/Director Douglas Morse drew upon his experience applying to schools with his son Zeke, and the stories of several friends, to recreate the very difficult year of searching for the best kindergarten. He chose to share his knowledge in an informative and entertaining way mixing actors and non-actors in both fictional and documentary settings. The result is a unique blend of genres. “I felt that the docu-drama format would allow us to film situations not normally afforded documentary filmmakers. I was interested in showing a five year old taking an IQ test. I wanted first hand observation of a private school playdate. I also wanted to explore the stress of the process on relationships and working with actors allowed me to do that in a very honest way.”
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OLSAT, Stanford-Binet, ERB Test Prep Activity Brought To Life By My Dogs – #4
If your child is taking the OLSAT, Stanford-Binet, ERB (WPPSI) or any kindergarten readiness test, he will have to know her shapes. He’ll need to both recognize them and be able to draw them. The reason shapes are so important for children entering kindergarten is because they are the basis for recognizing and writing letter and numbers. For example, the letter “D” is a straight line and half a circle. A “V” is two sides of a triangle. The number “8″ is two circles.” The activities following this video will tax your child’s memory, math, knowledge, and fine-motor skills. You’ll want to take out a pencil and a piece of paper to work with after this video. Just watch it together and read the words to your child as you’re watching. Then, ask the questions below. Here goes:
1. What is the name of the black dog? Bronco
2. What is the name of the white dog? Honey
3. What do these two dogs like to do together? Kiss
4. What shape does Honey like to walk in? Circle
5. When Honey walks in a circle, how does she feel? Happy
6. How many kisses did Bronco give Honey in the video? 6
7. Does Honey walk in a straight line when she’s happy? No.
Can you draw a straight line on this piece of paper?
8. Does Honey walk in a square when she’s happy? No.
Can you draw a square on this piece of paper? (If your child can’t do this, draw 4 dots for her to connect)
9. Does Honey walk in a triangle when she’s happy? No.
Can you draw a triangle on this piece of paper? (If your child can’t do this, draw 3 dots for her to connect)
10. Does Honey walk in a circle when she’s happy? YES!
Can you draw a circle on this piece of paper?
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Is My Child Slow?
In Testing For Kindergarten, I talk a lot about where a child should be developmentally at age 3, 4, and 5. So often, as parents, we wonder if our child is developing the way he should. Maybe he’s not as far along as his sister or best friend, but is that okay? In this video, Kerry Canella, mother of Christopher, talks about her concerns with his development when he was 2.5. He was coming along more slowly than his sister. Kerry attributes a lot of that to the fact that his sister was cared for by relatives who talked to her and engaged her all the time. After Christopher was born, they hired a nanny who was very quiet, and didn’t speak that much to or around the children. Kerry ended up leaving her job and staying home with Christopher when he was 2.5-years-old. During the next year, she used many of the activities suggested in Testing For Kindergarten to turn his development trajectory around. Now, at 3.5, Christopher is right on track and you can’t keep him quiet. Here is the video of Kerry telling us what she did to turn Christopher around. Below the video, I’ve made a list of the activities that worked best for her.
1. Active reading – she went way beyond just reading the words on the page. She noticed what interested him, asked him questions, encouraged him to expand on his answers, explained things and used all the dialogic techniques we talk about in the book.
2. Talk to him. When she took him out in everyday life, she engaged him in whatever she was doing, talking to him all the time. Trips to the grocery store led to learning about different foods, colors, shapes and numbers. She would ask Christopher to go bring her 2 red apples and he loved it!
3. Kitchen as a place to learn. She used the kitchen as a place to learn about cooking, measuring, sorting and pouring (fine-motor skills).
4. Puzzles and blocks. They did puzzles with letters and shapes, blocks and other small items that helped build his fine-motor skills.
5. Music. She did Music Together classes with Christopher. She got him Leap Frog videos, which was where he learned to sing letters and know their sounds.
6. Fantasy Play. They played “store” together at home, where Christopher learned the names of common items in the pantry and how to count money.
7. Games. They played old fashioned games like SImple Simon and sang “Head and Shoulders Knees and Toes” to learn body parts.
8. Writing. They worked with chalk and colors to help Christopher learn to grip his pencil properly. He can write his name now!
9. Favorite characters. He loves the Disney Show “Cars,” so anything Kerry can get him with images from “Cars” on it, he’s willing to work with (with my son, it was Batman)
10. It takes an involved parent. Kerry realized that there was no magic bullet to helping Christopher catch up. She committed to being there to engage him and work with him. In the end, it took attention and support from his mother, but she was able to get him where he needed to be within a year!
Sometimes, with learning delays, all it takes is a committed mother or dad to work with a child to turn him around. That was my experience with Sam. That was Kerry’s experience with Christopher. Sometimes, a parent will need professional support to help her child reach his full potential. In Testing For Kindergarten, chapter 23 is devoted to how to get free support services for your child if he is learning delayed. If you feel that your child’s delays are more than you an handle on your own, I encourage you to read that chapter and follow through on getting your child the assessment and services he needs to catch up. Here is a video on how to recognize if your child has delays. Getting help early is the key to getting your child back on track when something has slowed him down.
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An OLSAT and Stanford-Binet Test Prep Question Brought to Life By My Dogs #3
Today’s post is a practice OLSAT and Stanford-Binet test question to get your child ready for gifted and talented testing. It is brought to life by Olive and Bronco Quinn. Even if your child isn’t taking an IQ test, this activity is great for building your child’s memory, receptive and expressive language skills.
As you’ll remember, in a common type question on the OLSAT test, your child is shown a picture of three dogs (for example). One is named Joey, One is named Chippy, and one is named Tinker. The child is told that Joey enjoys chasing worms. Chippy enjoys chewing plastic. Tinker enjoys turning in circles. Then the child is asked, what does Joey enjoy? What does Chippy enjoy? What does Tinker enjoy? The child has to listen carefully because the question can’t be repeated (since receptive language and memory skills are being assessed). Watch the video together and read the words to the story. Then ask her the questions below.
To make this a Stanford-Binet type question, watch the video together and read the words to the story. Then ask your child to tell you in her own words what happened in the story. “Tell me more?” “What else?” The actual images on an OLSAT and Stanford-Binet question are static versus the moving images on this video. On the Stanford-Binet, the child has to interpret the image without any words being read to her. But doing this activity with your child will build the same underlying skill sets needed for both tests. This happens to be a hard activity because several things are going on in the video, but just see how well your child pays attention to the story and how many questions she can answer or how well she can retell what happened. She will get better at this with practice.
1. What is the name of the black dog?
2. What is the name of the brown/orange dog?
3. What are the dogs learning in school?
4. Which dog learned to raise her paw to ask a question?
5. What did Bronco learn to do?
6. What did Olive do at the end of the video?
How Music Makes Your Child Smarter
In Testing For Kindergarten, I talk about the importance of music in your child’s life, how it is the secret, almost automatic way to a smarter child. If I haven’t convinced you to give your child some kind of music education, watch this video. It brings my arguments to life and you get to see Matt Lauer with hair.
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