The First Day of School: An OLSAT and Stanford-Binet Test Prep Question Brought to Life By My Dogs #5
Today’s “First Day of School” post is a practice OLSAT and Stanford-Binet test question to get your child ready for gifted and talented testing. It is brought to life by Max and all the other dogs who attend the Wednesday afternoon puppy socialization class at Nadine’s in Miami. Even if your child isn’t taking an IQ test, this activity is great for building your child’s memory, receptive and expressive language skills.
In a common type question on the OLSAT test, your child is shown a picture of three dogs (for example). One is named Joey, One is named Chippy, and one is named Tinker. The child is told that Joey enjoys chasing doodle bugs. Chippy enjoys chewing grass. Tinker enjoys chasing his tail. Then the child is asked, what does Joey enjoy? What does Chippy enjoy? What does Tinker enjoy? The child has to listen carefully because the question can’t be repeated (since receptive language and memory skills are being assessed). Watch the video together and read the words to the story. Then ask your child the questions below.
To make this a Stanford-Binet type question, watch the video together and read the words to the story. Then ask your child to tell you in her own words what happened in the story. “Tell me more?” “What else?” The actual images on an OLSAT and Stanford-Binet question are static versus the moving images on this video. On the Stanford-Binet, the child has to interpret the image without any words being read to her. But doing this activity with your child will build the same underlying skill sets needed for both tests.
1. What is the name of the dog who is going to his first day of school? (Max/Maxi)
2. Why is Max staying next to his mommy instead of playing with the other dogs? (He was shy, afraid)
3. What does it mean to be “shy?” (This question is modeled after one found on the WPPSI-III)
4. Have you ever felt shy? Why? Tell me what happened? (This isn’t a test question, but it will help your child use expressive language to talk about his feelings)
5. What happened that made Max like school in the end? (He made a friend)
Hi Karen,
I met you at your book signing in Denver. I just wanted to let you know how much my daughter is enjoying the games you’ve suggested in your book and here on your blog. She is also a huge fan of Bronco, Olive and Honey!