Purpose
This article describes the Bracketing process as a simple daily routine you can follow. It assumes you already understand what bracketing is and focuses on how to run each day.
Daily checklist ✔︎
Before the test (5 minutes)
Set up a quiet spot; close extra tabs; silence notifications; water nearby.
Remind your child of the three rules: read every question twice, eliminate obviously wrong answers, and move on if stuck.
Have some paper and something to write with for notes.
During the test (~25 minutes)
Let your child work independently so the result is accurate.
If they wobble, cue one slow breath and continue—no mid-test coaching.
After the test
Score is 90% or higher:
Acknowledge the win.
You can choose to do another test or pause for the day.
Dash will limit to a test every 4 hours
AlphaLearn will let you do tests back to back.
Tomorrow, take the next-level test (if you left some for the next day)
Score is below 90% (“not yet”):
Have your child complete the Knowledge Gaps that appeared.
These may appear the following day
Highly recommended: book a 15-minute Post-Test Coaching (PTC) for today or tomorrow to review results.
The link can be found here in Circle under “Links”
Tomorrow
If yesterday was ≥90% → next-level test.
If yesterday was <90% → test after knowledge gaps + Post-test Coaching (PTC).
Post-Test Coaching (PTC): when and what to expect
When to book: Any time the score is below 90%
What happens (15 minutes):
The post test coach will do a review of missed questions and separate them into one of two categories.
Category 1: The student knew the content (made a careless mistake). Careless mistake do not become knowledge gap skills the next day. Instead, the student learns executive functions skills. (usually slowing down)
Category 2: They simply didn’t know it. In these cases, the student will get a knowledge gap skill for the following day.
Parent role: Set it up; consider letting your child own the conversation, but you are always welcome to join too.
Parent scripts for real moments
Retake right now?
“Not today. Brains learn between tries. We’ll fix the gaps, rest, and you’ll do better tomorrow.”
Lingering frustration after a miss:
“This gave us the exact map of what to fix. We’ll patch it now and try one new strategy tomorrow.”
Overconfidence after an easy pass:
“Great—keep the same careful and patient pace so we place higher without missing anything.”
Test felt ‘unfair’:
“Good to know. Tell the coach what felt off. The goal is one change we can try tomorrow. This is part of the process.”
FAQ
Can we change the subject order each day?
Yes. Use the time of day when your child is most alert for the subject they find hardest.
What if there’s no same-day PTC slot?
Do gaps now and book the earliest slot. Retest after that session.
Should I sit with my child during the test?
Set up the space and remind them of the rules, but please don’t help or offer even subtle cues.