Cognitive test prep- free printable resources

[Sarah0000]

Any good sources for practice tests for exams like the cogat test? Preferably free because I'm not sure yet if/when we'll pursue testing.

Thanks

[EKS]

The Critical Thinking Company has some stuff that they claim will boost scores.

[Sarah0000]

5 hours ago, EKS said:

The Critical Thinking Company has some stuff that they claim will boost scores.

I'm looking to introduce different test style formats and to emotionally practice through sitting for a designated time, following the rules, etc. more than to boost test scores, but I'll take a look.

[freesia]

What age? Usually those type of tests don’t have practice material bc that’s part of what is being tested.  I would think sitting  still and following directions could be taught in daily life/schooling. But I guess you could use test prep materials for something like the Iowa tests. There used to be a series called Scoring High. 

[Sarah0000]

He's almost nine.

Sometimes he flounders on "what is the purpose of this question?" or "Why do I have to answer it this way?" He has ADHD and can get distracted and emotional about stuff like that. So I was just thinking of introducing him to a variety of question/test styles so he can get the whys and wherefores out of the way at home and when actual test time comes it won't be something new to meltdown about.

[freesia]

3 minutes ago, Sarah0000 said:

He's almost nine.

Sometimes he flounders on "what is the purpose of this question?" or "Why do I have to answer it this way?" He has ADHD and can get distracted and emotional about stuff like that. So I was just thinking of introducing him to a variety of question/test styles so he can get the whys and wherefores out of the way at home and when actual test time comes it won't be something new to meltdown about.

Ah that makes sense. If you are thinking of the cogat—I see some stuff in teachers pay teachers. Also I think BJU might have some test prep stuff for the cogat. 

[Ailaena]

I have never seen free, full-length practice tests, but they definitely exist when you pay for them http://www.mercerpublishing.com/cogat/grade-5   BJU has Iowa and Stanford practice https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/category/homeschool-practice-tests

IME, test taking is definitely a skill that you can and should practice if you are able.  My daughter did ACT/SAT/PSAT for talent search starting in 5th (different ones in different years) and when the time came to take these tests “for real” there was no extra stress because she was very familiar with them.  Yes, it’s a ridiculous “Playing the Game” kind of thing but it was a significant part of her whole package that ended up in a full-ride scholarship, so... 🤷🏻‍♀️

Would you be taking the cogat as a school entrance exam?  Lots of tests out there for various reasons and there may be a better one for your situation as I have just never seen anybody use cogat except for trying for a GT program. 

[Sarah0000]

7 hours ago, Ailaena said:

I have never seen free, full-length practice tests, but they definitely exist when you pay for them http://www.mercerpublishing.com/cogat/grade-5   BJU has Iowa and Stanford practice https://www.bjupresshomeschool.com/category/homeschool-practice-tests

IME, test taking is definitely a skill that you can and should practice if you are able.  My daughter did ACT/SAT/PSAT for talent search starting in 5th (different ones in different years) and when the time came to take these tests “for real” there was no extra stress because she was very familiar with them.  Yes, it’s a ridiculous “Playing the Game” kind of thing but it was a significant part of her whole package that ended up in a full-ride scholarship, so... 🤷🏻‍♀️

Would you be taking the cogat as a school entrance exam?  Lots of tests out there for various reasons and there may be a better one for your situation as I have just never seen anybody use cogat except for trying for a GT program. 

I only thought of the cogat because I might be interested in joining Mensa after the pandemic is under control. I want to see if our local chapter is active first though.

In future I might be interested in certain programs for DS so I'll have to look into what tests are needed. 

[drjuliadc]

Testingmom.com. At one time, if you signed up on her email list she would send a number of problems per day or week for free.

[Sarah0000]

On 11/11/2020 at 11:33 AM, drjuliadc said:

Testingmom.com. At one time, if you signed up on her email list she would send a number of problems per day or week for free.

Thank you. I'll look into it.

Turns out this year is his first state testing so we're actually practicing with his supervising teacher with an online program through his school. The questions are likely vastly different than cognitive tests but it's still good practice for basic test taking skills.