A common question that appears on Stanford-Binet test assesses your child's thinking, memory, and expressive language skills. This test is often used across the country to qualify children for gifted and talented or GATE program admissions. The child is shown a picture and is asked, tell me what is happening in this picture? What else? In this video, my dogs Olive and Bronco are acting out a little story. Watch it with your child and read the words. Then ask her, "What is happening?" "Can you tell me more?"

The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) assesses your child's language and memory skills. This test is also used across the country to qualify children for gifted and talented or GATE program admissions. The child is shown a photo or drawing of three dogs (for example). One is named "Boo," one is named "Ga Ga," and the other is "Luna." The child is told that Boo enjoys chasing cats, Ga Ga enjoys eating bugs, and Luna enjoys digging. Then the child is asked, "What does Ga Ga enjoy?" "What does Boo enjoy?" "What does Luna enjoy?" The child has to listen carefully because the question can't be repeated (since receptive language and memory skills are being assessed).

In this video, my dogs Olive and Honey act out a little story. As your child watches this video, read the words to him. Then, ask him the questions below to see if he was paying attention: [note: if you don't have the video and would like to see it, visit http://testingforkindergarten.com/?p=444]

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)

How did your child do? If he didn't do as well as you hoped, you might take a look at some of the test prep materials that are out there to get your child ready for kindergarten admissions testing. Practice ahead of time will make a difference on how your child performs.

I have studied all the best kindergarten test prep material that is out today. To see my FREE reviews of the test prep materials you can use to get children ready for private school admissions testing, gifted and talented program qualification, and public school ability group placement, visit www.kindergartentestingwithouttears.com.