The Brigance Test is a screening tool that assists educators in the identification of learning delays. It also looks at strengths and weaknesses a child may have in language, motor skills, self-help skills, social-emotional skills and cognitive functioning. The test will give teachers a clear picture of the child's learning abilities and styles, which will help the teacher work more effectively with the child.
A teacher will administer the test by asking the child questions to test skills. The child will be asked to give her name and personal details such as a birthday, age or address. Children will be asked to identify colors and pictures, identify body parts, count, and identify letters and numbers. A teacher will also test a child's visual and gross motor skills and her ability to follow a verbal command or prompt.
The results of the Brigance Test will help teachers identify any delays or gaps your child has in his learning. It will also identify any weak skill areas that your child needs to improve upon. Many teachers will use the results of the Brigance Test to develop individualized curriculum or Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) for your child to enhance and improve his academics.
Use everyday experiences to assist your child in doing her best on the Brigance Test. Teach her letters, colors and numbers; have her practice reciting and identifying them regularly. Allow your child to be independent in dressing and feeding herself. Help your child to learn her name and birthday, along with her address and the names of her siblings. Allow your child plenty of time to play, run, skip and jump, as these skills will be tested. Help your child draw and identify shapes. Practice these skills regularly but let your child be a kid. The skills will come naturally and any delays can be worked on at home or in school.