Last year (possibly two years ago) we started going to our local coffee shop to practice writing tests. Yes, I know that probably sounds a bit strange but hear me out. My kids have sensory processing disorder and part of that is they hear soft sounds a lot louder than we do, which means everyday sounds (like someone walking past them or moving their chair) can often be very distracting for them. So one of my concerns with them writing exams at an external center was the simple fact that they would get distracted by the sounds and find it hard to concentrate on their papers. It was something that could end up being a big issue so I decided that we needed to practice answering questions in an environment that was a bit louder, a bit busier and not somewhere where they would normally do their academic work. So the idea of using local coffee shops started. And to make it a bit more official I decided that I would give them mini tests to do in the coffee shop (we have a number of the CGP 10 minute tests books).

The idea is simple. We would go to a local coffee shop during the day, they would sit at one of the tables and complete a couple of their 10 minute tests and the upside is everyone gets a nice treat afterwards.

Can I say without a shadow of doubt that this idea has worked? Well it is not like I can compare what it would have been like if she just went in and wrote her mocks without us doing this, so no. But I do feel like it has helped. If I compare her ability to focus in a strange place with strange sounds and smells from two years ago to now, she is without a shadow of a doubt much better at it. Before we started our coffee shop tests, someone walking around would be noticed but now after practicing she only looks up if there is a loud sound, like someone drops a plate or breaks a coffee mug. So yes I think the practice has helped.

It may seem like a small idea but often lots of small ideas added together makes a difference. And if nothing else they get some tests done and I get to enjoy a nice coffee.