Advice needed for last minute prep school assessment......

[totallyfrazzled]

Help!! Slightly at the eleventh hour we have an assessment for a selective prep school (this sept intake) and would love some feedback from anyone knowing what we should expect. Also how best do we encourage our child to interact instead of appearing shy and overwhelmed? I know it's a crazy question, but is there any kind of preparation we can do?

What age?
Shake hands, make eye contact, smile and avoid one word answers eg (What is your favourite subject? say "I really enjoy maths" not "Maths". That covers a multitude of evils!

Oh yes....crucial piece of information missing! This is age four, so starting reception this September.

my dd has done a couple of these and it was always very hard to get anything out of her afterwards. i think they get read stories and then asked questions about them; often they get them to colour something in; i saw (through a slightly open door when i was having a tour of the school at the same time :)) DD doing something that looked like a puzzle. i would say there is little you can do to prepare at this age but try and encourage him and be excited about it so he thinks he is going to have a fun time. not sure if he can write his name but it might help although not necessary -definitely helps i think if he recognizes his name written down. may be some letter/number recognition; shapes and colours; this is really just what i have gathered from others. don't try and cram anything, obviously. there are some threads here on this which may be helpful which i have seen before but i think the main thing is try and get him to go in excited and with a positive attitude. very best of luck.

Thank you! Will try and follow your advice and do some practice!!

My DS have an informal assessment as the school doesn't select (but they do caveat that by saying they are checking the kids will fit in at the assessment) but part of what they are looking for is teachability i.e. following instructions, stopping and listening to what you are supposed to be doing, turn taking. Enthusiasm, able to have a chat and get on with others are all positives. Sit down with your DC and have chats about things e.g. I as DS1 (7) what he did in school and chat about that then I ask DS2 (3) what he did in nursery and have a similar chat more basic chat with him.