Preparing your child for the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the test’s format and expectations. The NNAT is designed to measure a child’s nonverbal reasoning and problem-solving skills, primarily through visual puzzles. Since it differs from traditional verbal or math-based tests, parents often make certain mistakes in their preparation approach. Understanding these pitfalls can help you avoid them and ensure your child is well-prepared without unnecessary stress.
Here are some common mistakes parents make when preparing their child for the NNAT and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Focusing on Traditional Academic Skills
Many parents assume that test prep should involve drilling traditional academic skills like reading, writing, and math. While these areas are important for many standardized tests, the NNAT is quite different. It primarily assesses a child’s ability to recognize patterns, think critically, and solve puzzles, all of which are nonverbal tasks.
Solution: Instead of focusing on conventional academics, encourage activities that build visual-spatial skills. Puzzle games, pattern recognition activities, and even some video games can help sharpen the cognitive abilities the NNAT assesses. Ensure your child practices solving problems visually and thinking outside the box.
2. Overloading with Practice Tests
While practice tests are useful for familiarizing your child with the NNAT format, overloading them with test after test can lead to burnout and anxiety. Too much focus on completing practice tests can cause your child to feel overwhelmed, making the test day experience more stressful than necessary.
Solution: Use practice tests strategically. Take a few practice tests to assess your child’s starting point, and use the results to identify areas where they might need extra attention. Focus on targeted exercises to build skills in those areas rather than over-relying on tests.
3. Underestimating the Importance of Timing
The NNAT is a timed test, and many parents focus solely on accuracy, not speed. While it’s important for your child to understand the test questions, timing plays a crucial role in overall performance. If your child is taking too long to solve each problem, they might not complete the test in the allotted time.
Solution: Practice working within time limits. Teach your child how to manage time effectively while ensuring they maintain focus. Practice pacing through timed exercises to build their ability to think and respond quickly.
4. Ignoring Test Instructions and Format
The NNAT is divided into specific types of questions that assess different nonverbal abilities, including pattern completion, spatial reasoning, and analogies. Not understanding the test structure is a common mistake that can confuse both parents and children, leading to ineffective preparation.
Solution: Make sure you familiarize yourself and your child with the format of the NNAT. Break down each question type and help them understand how to approach them. There are many online resources and prep books that provide sample questions and explain the best methods for solving them.
5. Comparing NNAT to Other Standardized Tests
Parents sometimes prepare their child for the NNAT in the same way they would for verbal or math-based assessments like the CogAT or SAT. This mistake can lead to ineffective prep because the NNAT is entirely nonverbal, and it tests a unique set of skills.
Solution: Recognize that the NNAT is designed to measure nonverbal reasoning. Avoid comparing it to traditional standardized tests, and instead, focus on activities that boost abstract thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving. This will better align with the test’s requirements and prepare your child more effectively.
6. Creating Too Much Pressure
Test preparation, especially for gifted and talented programs, can sometimes lead to parents unintentionally placing too much pressure on their children. Excessive stress can lead to test anxiety, which negatively affects performance. The goal should be to prepare in a way that builds confidence, not stress.
Solution: Maintain a balance between preparation and relaxation. Encourage fun, engaging activities that incorporate NNAT skills, like puzzles, rather than making the process feel like a high-stakes academic drill. This can make preparation feel less overwhelming for your child and build their confidence leading up to the test.
7. Not Seeking Professional Guidance or Resources
Some parents try to handle test prep entirely on their own, not realizing that professional guidance or structured resources could help streamline the process. As a result, they might miss out on valuable strategies that could make a difference in their child’s performance.
Solution: Consider using professional resources designed for NNAT prep, such as practice workbooks, online tutorials, and test-specific courses. These resources offer structured guidance, so you’re not left guessing about what to teach. Many companies offer free and paid materials that align specifically with NNAT requirements, providing a clearer path to success.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the NNAT doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a more effective, balanced approach that builds your child’s skills and confidence. Remember to keep the focus on fun and learning rather than just performance, and your child will be better equipped to excel in the test. With the right mindset and preparation, success on the NNAT is well within reach!