As your child is growing up, you are naturally concerned about his talents, intelligence and educational potential. We are sure you’ve even started a college fund for the little one and in no time, they’ll be off to the university discovering the big world on their own.
But it’s always helpful to know which direction your child should take based on their natural abilities. That’s why an IQ test helps to measure the potential of your little one.
The child scoring well in an IQ test is a matter of pride for a lot of Kiasu parents and can be concerning when the results aren’t as expected.
While everyone wants their child to be Albert Einstein or Tony Stark (going by today’s role models), the idea of an IQ test isn’t purely based on intellectual capability. Instead, you can prepare your kid to potentially score better results, and for this, the environment plays a big role in achieving the same.
In fact, children can follow specific behaviours when preparing for IQ test that will help the score slightly better. But what exactly are these IQ test behaviours and how can your child score better? Read on as we break it down for you.
What Is IQ Testing?
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IQ testing stands for the “intellectual quotient” test and it comes in many forms. They not only help measure a child’s potential but can also be instrumental in diagnosing intellectual disabilities. If you are considering IQ testing for your child, please speak to your doctor.
IQ tests can be further divided into different types focused on primary school-aged children. These include:
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
- Universal Nonverbal Intelligence
- Differential Ability Scales
- Peabody Individual Achievement Test
- Wechsler Individual Achievement Test
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
- Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Disabilities
Preparing For IQ Test: What Parents Must Know
Before you sign up for an IQ test for your child, please know that this isn’t the kind of test you prepare for. It doesn’t involve memorising notes or preparing for the questions beforehand.
The tests are confidential and trying to prepare for them will not yield an accurate result of your kid’s potential. In most cases, you cannot retake an IQ test within a year because you are likely to remember the questions and figure out the right answer.
Preparing For IQ Test: 3 Behaviours That Help Kids Score Better
Research suggests that children who exhibited the following three behaviours managed to score four per cent higher on intelligence tests as compared to other kids. While that may not sound a lot, it may be far more important when admitting your child to a private school or talent program.
1. Limited screen time
The hike in screen time in a child’s daily routine has turned out to be unavoidable in today’s times. However, parents should make an effort to curb the same as much as possible.
Most researchers suggest that recreational screen time should not extend beyond two hours every day. This includes time spent on tablets, computers, television, smartphone, video games and more.
Screen time is said to have negative effects on developing brains, which is detrimental in the long run.
2. Getting a good night’s sleep
Along with minimising screen time, ensure that children get a good night’s sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests an ideal sleep cycle between nine and 11 hours for kids.
Children, who are well-rested will be able to handle mental tasks better and that can have a significant impact on IQ test scores.
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3. One hour of physical activity every day
No matter the exams, stress and homework, a child should always find time for physical activity that keeps them fit every day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends around 60 minutes of exercise every day. This can include playing a sport, riding a bike, playing in the park or just running around the neighbourhood.
Physical activity boosts your child’s cognitive abilities that will further help them score better in an IQ test.
5 Practical Tips For Children To Ace An IQ Test
- The tests may seem silly and feel like games or schoolwork. But children need to be honest and to the point with their answers.
- If they don’t understand something, kids should ask the psychologist about it and they might help clarify things. Do remember, they are not at liberty to give away too much but will help your child understand.
- The tests start off as easy and progressively get harder with each question. Don’t panic if you do not know the answer. Ask your child to give their best guess and make sure to answer as many questions as possible in the given timeframe.
- If you think there are multiple right answers to the same question, try and give the most common one first. Then you can explain other answers that you think are right.
- Do remember an IQ test does not determine your kid’s smartness. It only helps you understand the potential that your child has.
Preparing your child for these behaviours will help them stay calm on the big day of the IQ test. That in itself will help the children score high. Kids with a calm mind are able to solve questions better by applying logical reasoning.
That being said, if you think your child scored too low on the IQ test, you may want to check with a doctor for potential learning disabilities.
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