My little one was tested (wippsi-iii, K-Seals and stick figure drawing) at age 4. About 40 minutes after the test started the psychologist came out and said, that the test would have to be stopped and we should come back another day, because my little one was goofy and silly. ( I didn't quiet understand and asked what he meant by that So he told me that when asked what the picture shows, little one said it was a dog (which was correct) and that we have a dog, that barks sometimes)
I am at loss, because I don't know what that means? Is that bad? Little one has a very good attention span and is just a normal kid. Has anyone any idea what this could be? Will it be negative that he will have 2 sessions? I can't understand how a child at 4 can give silly or goofy answers, they are just children. This test was for a private school.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you much for the responses. They were all so helpful and confirmed my thoughts. To answer a few things that came up. The psychologist was an independent psychologist that was recommended by the school. I was not allowed in the room, there wasn't a two way mirror, that would have been great, because I would have loved to see what was going on. The trouble is, that most private schools around us require psychological testing. I just want a school were my child can be a child and still learn. Once they reach a certain age I am all for studying hard and less "goofing" around, but in my opinion that comes naturally. Anyway, I don't know whether I should go back there But I will seriously consider other school options now. Thank you so much for your input.
UPDATE:Little one was tested again yesterday and did amazing. New Psychologist. I didn't say anything about the other one at first, because I didn't want to influence her. After she called me with the results I told her about what the other psychologist had said and she only laughed. She said it was the psychologist that has a problem, little one tested superior in most test with a few high averages. I am so got some feedback here. Thank you again.
The Pre-School is actually part of a lower school, middle and than high school, and it came highly recommended, just to answer the question of one mom.
We are looking at other options, though, since we want our kid to be a kid and have fun.
makes you want to kick that psychologist....hmmmm.
Look for a different school. AND have your local public school test him. 2nd opinions & having something to compare to....are not bad things. :)
Honestly, I cannot imagine needing a psychologist to perform preschool testing.
Sorry but that makes me laugh. sounds like your DD was being a 4 year old. Frankly, I would skip any pre-school that requires one of those ridiculous tests. Look for a preschool that will allow your kid to be a kid.
Good luck.
First, I'm a child psychologist myself. I've done lots of testing. And after 40 minutes, EVERY kid is acting goofy! I've never tested a child who sat perfectly still and compliant throughout. In fact, I would be concerned if they did! Usually when you test a child, you take multiple, multiple breaks and testing is split up to occur on several different days. You have no need to worry. This behavior is absolutely normal. Your psychologist's behavior is the one that is not so normal.
"The child psychologist who thought she had all the answers to parenting until she became one herself." www.themommypsychologist.com
Find another school. I wouldn't want my child at a place that doesnt allow goofy.
"Goofy" is pretty much a prerequisite for the job of being a 4 year old, don't ya think? LOL
I've tested many four and five year olds, I do not consider his answer goofy, it was additional info that showed he was able to make a connection between the dog on the paper and the dog in his house. A good sign. Has this preschool come recommended by people you know??
40 minutes is a LONG time for a 4-year-old to sit still and concentrate! I think testing any longer than that would be inappropriate for that age. Go back and finish in a day or two - I'll bet your kiddo is doing great.
um goofy is most 4 year olds' middle name. i agree with bethyskids - lose this school. doesn't sound like people i'd want around my kids.
Wow -has the guy ever tested a kid before? That's a bit crazy! I've tested hundreds of preschoolers -ages 3 and 4 on two different assessments, and they are almost ALL goofy! They will invariably offer far more information (usually) when asked about anything with which they are familiar. It sounds like a perfectly normal response -and not anything that should even be considered "goofy." I think I would have to ask -if you take him back to this person -if there was anything else going on or what exactly it was that made him think your child was being silly. If that's all that happened, I would ask that someone else or some place else test him.
I'm picturing a child making armpit noises and such. Were you in the room? Some places have a one way mirror so the parent can observe and the child will answer the questions with less distractions (a parent for example). I observed my four year this way and he answered the question for 1.5 hours (my husband was pissed and didn't want him in there that long, but my son seemed to enjoy the process). There were moments that he was picking his nose and saw my shadow and started waving and the lady would get him back on track by saying his name and getting eye contact. He was complimented for how long he lasted. It could be the mood/tolerance of the person you used vs your child. I do not recall the name of the tests. Maybe you could ask for a list of recommended testing administrators.
