What happens at the 'child interaction' for KG admission?

ivory_pigeon_2782 Oct 2026

We've started applying for KG for next year. My son is 4, in daycare now, a chatty boy at home and completely silent with new adults for the first ten minutes. Two of the schools have a 'child interaction' as part of the process and neither will say much about what it involves. Is this a few toys and a chat, or are they checking whether he knows letters and colours? I don't want to drill him. I'd just like to know what to tell him so he isn't walking into a room of strangers cold.

3 comments

moss_kite_79912 Oct 2026
My daughter's was years ago now but it was mostly play. A puzzle, some blocks, a picture book, the teacher asked her what she saw. She refused to speak to anyone for the first part as well. They didn't seem bothered.
coral_fern_49732 Oct 2026
It varied considerably between the schools we applied to, and I would not assume they mean the same thing by the word. At one it was a group of children playing while two teachers watched; at another my daughter was asked to name colours and count blocks. I asked each admissions office directly what the format was and roughly how long it lasted. Most answered when asked in writing, even when the brochure said nothing.
- ivory_pigeon_2784 Oct 2026
  Asking in writing is a good idea. I had only called and got a polite non-answer. Will email both this week.
rose_sandal_45424 Oct 2026
From the school side: most of us are looking at whether the child can separate from the parent and settle, not what he knows. Quiet for ten minutes is normal. Don't practise answers with him, it shows.