What is non-verbal reasoning? Non-verbal reasoning (NVR) refers to the ability to analyse visual information, such as pictures, diagrams, and graphs, and solve problems using visual reasoning. Nurturing your child’s confidence with non-verbal reasoning is essential to supporting their problem-solving skills without relying on or being limited by their linguistic or mathematical ability. We know that fitting this development into a busy family routine and keeping a child engaged in these activities might seem challenging, so we have summarised five simple and effective exercises for you to do with your child to help you get started.

1) Puzzles and brainteasers

Engage your child in games that require them to think critically and solve problems. Jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, and tangrams are particularly effective in developing spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills, and can be great fun on a rainy afternoon.

2) Cracking codes and patterns

Challenge your young detective’s pattern recognition skills by showing them a series of shapes, numbers, or colours arranged in a pattern. Encourage them to identify the pattern and predict the next item in the sequence. You can gradually increase the complexity of the patterns as their skills grow, and even challenge yourself!

Download our Non-Verbal Reasoning Postcards to help you get started today.

3) Mazes

Mazes are another excellent exercise for enhancing non-verbal reasoning skills. These puzzles require spatial awareness, strategic planning, memory recall, and decision-making, and help children improve their ability to navigate visual information. Start with simpler mazes and progress to more intricate ones as they level up and develop confidence.

4) Building and construction toys

Toys such as building blocks and LEGO sets are brilliant ways to develop spatial reasoning skills. Encourage your child to design and construct various structures, fostering both creativity and problem-solving abilities. Brace yourself—once they start, they might not want to stop!

5) Visual memory games

Visual memory games are an invaluable exercise for enhancing your child’s non-verbal reasoning skills. Play memory games in which your child needs to remember the locations of cards or images and match them accordingly. Rediscover classic games like Snap or Memory to boost your child’s visual memory and attention to detail.

We recommend adapting these activities to your child’s age, interests, and developmental stage to ensure they remain engaged and motivated and watch their excitement soar. Bond, play, and develop crucial problem-solving skills with these super-charged exercises.

6) Online test practice tools

When preparing for tests on non-verbal reasoning, it can be helpful for your child to familiarise themselves with the format and type of questions they will be tested on. The ISEB Pre-Tests Walkthrough is a free online tool that allows children to explore the format of the ISEB Pre-Tests, including the non-verbal reasoning section.

Families can also explore Bond Online Premium Plus, the only Pre-Tests practice platform endorsed by ISEB. The platform hosts thousands of questions written by ISEB’s experts on English, mathematics, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning and provides accurate mock tests. Families can trial Bond Online Premium Plus for free for seven days.

For more resources on supporting your children in their assessment journey, visit the Families Hub here.