Cogat test prep

[Anonymous]

DC is a first grader and we’re just starting to learn about the AAP world.

What do parents do for test prep for Cogat?

I’m assuming that just getting a practice test book would be sufficient, right?

I’m also assuming a Grade 2, Level 8 practice book is the appropriate book for a first grader who will take the test next year?

Anything else that we should consider?

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

You'll find people on here will blast you for this question.

But we got a book. They will go over the test in class briefly and we considered the book a slightly longer version of the same thing - test familiarization and making sure our kids had test-taking skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You'll find people on here will blast you for this question.

But we got a book. They will go over the test in class briefly and we considered the book a slightly longer version of the same thing - test familiarization and making sure our kids had test-taking skills.

Thanks! And I’m totally prepared for your first sentence to come to fruition🙂

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You'll find people on here will blast you for this question.

But we got a book. They will go over the test in class briefly and we considered the book a slightly longer version of the same thing - test familiarization and making sure our kids had test-taking skills.

Same, it's not like we were drilling for hours or over a period of weeks or anything, but we got a workbook with a practice test in it and went through a handful of questions in each section just to make sure they understood the general concept of the question formats. Probably similar to what they do in class, maybe a few more examples, but we didn't do the whole practice test.

We also took this as an opportunity to introduce them to the general concept of test-taking skills, not CogAT-specific. For example we noticed DC was tending to rush through and getting some questions wrong that when we asked them to double-check, they easily found their mistake and corrected it, so we talked about speed vs. accuracy. We talked with them about different ways tests are administered such as fill-in-the-bubble on page vs. fill-in-the-bubble on a separate scantron vs. computer-based, and the pros-and-cons of each. The paper ones you generally can go back and double-check your work if you have extra time, the computer ones you sometimes can but often can't so plan accordingly to double-check your work before proceeding in those cases. Sometimes a wrong answer is penalized more than a blank, sometimes it isn't so it's best to take your best guess (and discussed eliminating as many options as possible when not sure the answer). Stuff like that.

[Anonymous]

We got the book as well. Didn't drill it in, but made it a fun opportunity to try some new questions and get comfortable with the format. To be honest with you, they can be tricky and it takes a certain way of thinking to understand some of them. Did the same for NNAT, but don't think that really helped due to general craziness in DC's classroom and lack of concentration.

[Anonymous]

testingmom.com we got Xmas special of $99 for lifetime membership a few years ago, NNAT, CoGat, Iowa etc. all included.

My son's cousin went to in person prep class and the parent said it's just teaching testingmom samples, so they advise just subscript the membership.

Also, the test is conducted on computer in school, just like online test practice. Buying a book is actually counter-productive.

Frankly child can't be prepped at this level, they either get it or not, you really can't tell 1st grader this picture segment match that one, got it? It's like talking to a cat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:testingmom.com we got Xmas special of $99 for lifetime membership a few years ago, NNAT, CoGat, Iowa etc. all included.

My son's cousin went to in person prep class and the parent said it's just teaching testingmom samples, so they advise just subscript the membership.

Also, the test is conducted on computer in school, just like online test practice. Buying a book is actually counter-productive.

Frankly child can't be prepped at this level, they either get it or not, you really can't tell 1st grader this picture segment match that one, got it? It's like talking to a cat.

Us too. It’s more for being comfortable with the format of the test. 7 year olds can be odd about these things.

[Anonymous]

Couple years ago did not do any prep for AAP including none for CogAT- at that age always told kid any tests were only for teachers to see how they were doing teaching and so kid could do no wrong on any test (know many would not agree with that approach but worked for us). If wanted AAP now, still would not do prep for CogAT, but probably would teach some math and vocabulary at home knowing iready scores count and 100% can get your kid ahead to score high for iReady. But if turned out kid didn’t enjoy math problems and reading as a fun parent-kid activity, would just take them outside and kick or throw a ball with them or blow bubbles or go to playground and make other memories.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all for the suggestions and helpful tips. Much appreciated!

(I didn’t realize it was administered on the computer, and will take a look at the testing moms website too).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:testingmom.com we got Xmas special of $99 for lifetime membership a few years ago, NNAT, CoGat, Iowa etc. all included.

My son's cousin went to in person prep class and the parent said it's just teaching testingmom samples, so they advise just subscript the membership.

Also, the test is conducted on computer in school, just like online test practice. Buying a book is actually counter-productive.

Frankly child can't be prepped at this level, they either get it or not, you really can't tell 1st grader this picture segment match that one, got it? It's like talking to a cat.

Not really, my cat sometimes makes eye contact and appears to be paying attention to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:testingmom.com we got Xmas special of $99 for lifetime membership a few years ago, NNAT, CoGat, Iowa etc. all included.

My son's cousin went to in person prep class and the parent said it's just teaching testingmom samples, so they advise just subscript the membership.

Also, the test is conducted on computer in school, just like online test practice. Buying a book is actually counter-productive.

Frankly child can't be prepped at this level, they either get it or not, you really can't tell 1st grader this picture segment match that one, got it? It's like talking to a cat.

Not really, my cat sometimes makes eye contact and appears to be paying attention to me.

I fantasize cook an elaborate banquet and feed them to my dog bite by bite, instead of to my children. My dog likes my cooking.