Practicing for the CogAT ® Test

posted by Karen Quinn, The Testing Mom - August 6th, 2014

For parents familiar with the CogAT® test, it’s hard to believe that it’s almost that time of year again. The summer is winding down and soon kids across the country will be filing back into the classroom. Along with all the homework and extracurricular activities, kids will also be getting ready to take the Cognitive Abilities Test™ in the fall. It’s important for kids to be ready, but it’s also important for parents to familiarize themselves with the CogAT test so they know what to expect and how to best prepare their children.

First of all, make sure that you set aside time each day to prepare for the test. Set your child up in a space where they’ll be comfortable and able to concentrate. Make sure noise is kept to a minimum and the area is well lit.

Once your child has their study area set up, decide which materials you’ll use to prepare for the test. There are lots of online practice questions for the CogAT test, as well as workbooks and games that help your child build the skills they’ll need to do well on the exam. Use a variety of materials so that your child doesn’t get bored or burned out during prep time.

Finally, make sure your child is emotionally and mentally prepared. The night before they take the CogAT test, make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast the following morning. Impart that the test is important, but don’t make them nervous or anxious, as this can actually harm their performance. With proper planning, preparing for the CogAT test doesn’t have to be stressful – it can even be fun!
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