The recommendations below are for the typical gifted child taking the D level of the NNAT® (Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test®) commonly given in Grades 3 and 4. NNAT® and Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test® are registered trademarks of NCS Pearson. The recommendations made here are those of thinktonight and are not endorsed by NCS Pearson.
Building Thinking Skills is my number one recommendation. Level 2 is for the typical child in Gr 4-6. The most difficult questions on the NNAT® will require analysis skills at this level and an able 3rd grader will be ready for this level of work. The software covers the same skills, with the same examples, but the presentation is very different. For the NNAT® you want just the non-verbal activities in Building Thinking Skills.
Think Ahead Games requires children to find a path through a grid of shapes. They need to recognize patterns, classify, compare and contrast and more. These skills are all required to perform well on the NNAT®. Think Ahead Games has adjustable difficulty levels so works well for all ages.
Memory Challenge is focused solely on visual memory. While this is not tested for in the NNAT® a child with a strong visual memory has usually developed skills while developing that memory which positively impact testing. Memory Challenge has adjustable difficulty levels so works well for all ages.
SET is a game of visual perception. It can be played solitarie or with multiple players. It requires the identification of sets of cards based on four attributes - color, symbol, number and shading. The ability to quickly identify similarities and differences and classify them into sets will stand a child in good stead in a test like the NNAT®.
Visual Mind Benders are deductive logic puzzles using visual clues. The software has the same puzzles as the book but they're in color.
