| A common question that appears on | | | | In this video, my dogs Olive and Honey act out a |
| Stanford-Binet test assesses your child's thinking, | | | | little story. As your child watches this video, read |
| memory, and expressive language skills. This test | | | | the words to him. Then, ask him the questions |
| is often used across the country to qualify | | | | below to see if he was paying attention: [note: if |
| children for gifted and talented or GATE program | | | | you don't have the video and would like to see it, |
| admissions. The child is shown a picture and is | | | | visit |
| asked, tell me what is happening in this picture? | | | | 1. What is the name of the dog who is going to |
| What else? In this video, my dogs Olive and | | | | his first day of school? (Max/Maxi) |
| Bronco are acting out a little story. Watch it with | | | | 2. Why is Max staying next to his mommy |
| your child and read the words. Then ask her, | | | | instead of playing with the other dogs? (He was |
| "What is happening?" "Can you tell me more?" | | | | shy, afraid) |
| The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) | | | | 3. What does it mean to be "shy?" (This question |
| assesses your child's language and memory skills. | | | | is modeled after one found on the WPPSI-III) |
| This test is also used across the country to | | | | 4. Have you ever felt shy? Why? Tell me what |
| qualify children for gifted and talented or GATE | | | | happened? (This isn't a test question, but it will |
| program admissions. The child is shown a photo or | | | | help your child use expressive language to talk |
| drawing of three dogs (for example). One is | | | | about his feelings) |
| named "Boo," one is named "Ga Ga," and the | | | | 5. What happened that made Max like school in |
| other is "Luna." The child is told that Boo enjoys | | | | the end? (He made a friend) |
| chasing cats, Ga Ga enjoys eating bugs, and Luna | | | | How did your child do? If he didn't do as well as |
| enjoys digging. Then the child is asked, "What | | | | you hoped, you might take a look at some of the |
| does Ga Ga enjoy?" "What does Boo enjoy?" | | | | test prep materials that are out there to get your |
| "What does Luna enjoy?" The child has to listen | | | | child ready for kindergarten admissions testing. |
| carefully because the question can't be repeated | | | | Practice ahead of time will make a difference on |
| (since receptive language and memory skills are | | | | how your child performs. |
| being assessed). | | | | |