Filipino test: how to find out in 10 seconds if your child is ready for first grade

A key stage in babies’ development is the so-called “growth spurt,” when arms and legs grow faster than other parts of the body. This fact is the basis of the Philippine test, which allows you to assess a child’s physiological readiness for school.

The essence of the test is that the child must raise his hand (right or left—at his choice), wrap his head around his head, and reach his palm to the opposite ear. If the child succeeds in this, it indicates that his body is ready for school loads. If not, this may mean the baby should be given more time.

Tutor Olga Tanaskova shared this test on Instagram, noting that readiness for school is not limited to knowledge. It also includes physiological maturity and the body’s readiness for new challenges.

“Checking a child’s readiness for school is important, and the Philippine test is just one of many tools for this,” the expert emphasized.

Children aged 4-5 often cannot cope with this task, which is normal. The kid may be knowledgeable in mathematics and reading, but his body may not yet be ready for school.

It is necessary to understand that the Philippine test is not the only readiness indicator. It also includes the emotional level of development. For example, a future schoolchild must:

be able to concentrate on the task,
have a certain independence,
be able to communicate with other children and adults.

If a child only plays, is often distracted, does not clearly understand instructions, and has difficulties constructing sentences, it may be worth postponing his entry into school.

Let us recall that more than 400 schools in Ukraine may be closed in 2025, which is causing concern among children and teachers. It also became known why the Russian language is still not banned in schools, and what new restrictions await teenagers regarding energy drinks.