SCHOOL TALK - INTERVIEW
The interview is the step in the application process where
parents feel the most anxious about. It is human nature to feel on edge when facing
unfamiliar situations, so avoid scheduling the first interview (when a child tends to be
most nervous) with your top choice school. The good news is that most schools conduct
their interviews in similar fashion, thus the second one will be a lot easier.
Schools typically do not allow parents to accompany their
children during the interview. So before the interview, explain to your child what’s
expected of him/her and how long the process takes. Some schools observe the child in a
playgroup setting, while others conduct one-on-one testing. There are also schools that
require both group and individual evaluations that span several days.
Do not try to rehearse for the interview or exert pressure
on your youngster. The interview is for the schools to find out whether your child is
ready for rigorous private school education and whether he/she will succeed and be happy
at their schools. So just let your child relax and allow the school officials to observe
and determine whether their school is indeed the best match for you child.
The actual testing procedure vary from school to school
but basically consists of activities like drawing, writing, listening to stories and
discussing them, solving puzzles, answering questions about home life and hobbies, etc.
The process is meant to be enjoyable for the child and allows the interviewer to study the
child’s reading, writing, and math skills, communication proficiency, attention span,
hand-eye coordination, curiosity, maturity, and other traits which demonstrate that the
child is physically, emotionally, and intellectually ready for serious schooling.
Remember that schools do not intend to put your child
"on trial" during the interview. A bad interview experience does not in any way
reflect failure on you or your youngster. Because of natural development differences, the
school may deem that your child is not ready to begin kindergarten and it would be in your
child’s best interest to wait a year.
Examples of Actual Interview Activities from Several
South Bay Kindergartens:
