Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment book recommendation for test taking

Does anyone know of a book kids could read about how to take a standardized test? My dd loves all those "American Girl Guide to Friendship", "Girls Guide to Saving Money", "Daring Book for Girls" format books. (Sorry guys!) She is taking the Explore test this winter and I am realizing that she has no experience of how to take a multiple choice test - ruling out unrealistic answers, reading the questions before reading paragraphs of information, etc. We could do something like Kumon, but the stakes aren't really high enough to compel us for her to "prep" for the test and its clear that the test's content is not the issue. DD would rather read a book about something than go over it with us - parents are so lame. So I wondered if there was a book out there that targeted late elementary aged kids specific to test strategies. Someone out there must have a suggestion.TIA!

I'm surprised that she doesn't have any multiple choice test experience. It's possible that we live in an unusually test-heavy area, but my 3rd grade DD has had 2 rounds of multi-day standardized multiple choice testing already this year. Plus they do mini multiple choice tests every week as part of their regular classwork.

If the issue isn't multiple choice tests in general, but the EXPLORE in particular, I'd go with http://www.amazon.com/EXPLORE-Exam-Secrets-Study-Guide/dp/B003ZTN4M4

Well she has taken tests before, but they have always been more short answer type. Actually, I really thankful that testing is not a focus of her school at this age.

http://www.criticalthinking.com/getProductDetails.do?code=p&id=05241
I get asked for this book by patrons all of the time for test prep. Maybe your library has it too?

Oh, it looks like your DD is in private school? Yes, I'd see the lack of focus on multiple-choice testing as a good things, too. Short answer requires a lot more demonstration of knowledge, IMHO.

It's hard to have the first experience be such a high stakes one, though.

OK so wondering about the Explore Exam Secrets Study Guide--my purpose in having dd9 take the test is to get a clear picture of where she is so she can be placed appropriately. Unlike the OP, she does have experience taking the Terra Nova last year, so it wouldn't be a totally new experience. If we get her that book would it artificially inflate her score, or would it allow her to show what she truly is capable of? Thoughts?

I agree, but then again she rocked the practice test. Some sections, she didn't miss any questions. Granted, I've heard the practice test is easier than the actual one. This year, taking the test really is meant to be a practice run, but if it can give us some leverage for more appropriate placement, that would good too.

Perhaps, my biggest concern should be that she can bubble in her name or test id number on the score sheet?

Thanks for the book recs!

You may create some quizzs for her to increase her multiple choice test experience. Some flash quiz creator can be available to make interactive and animated quizzes. I sure the kids will love it.