TIPS & TRICKS

Overview

Pattern and Puzzle completion questions are one of the most fun questions on Gifted and Talented exams. Children are shown a design and are asked to identify a missing piece.  These questions require kids to pay attention to design shapes, direction and colors. Many kids already have experience working with puzzles so these type of questions should be very familiar and straightforward.

Example:

Tips and Tricks

  • Before starting on any section, find a quiet place with no distractions. Make sure your child is sitting comfortably.
  • Provide positive and encouraging feedback for correct answers and supportive feedback with explanations for incorrect answers. Avoid any negative feedback, comments, or gestures as this may discourage your child.
  • First, discuss what is in the pattern box with the child. Ask questions such as – what kind of shapes are in the box, what colors, and which direction the shapes are facing?
  • Encourage the child to visualize and even draw out a possible answer choice by continuing the design.
  • Have the child review each answer choice and describe how it relates to the pattern.