MAP Kindergarten Test – A Complete Study Guide For Parents (2025)
Jul 19, 2024MAP testing is commonly used throughout a child’s academic career to assess progress. The results of these tests are then used by teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses within an individual pupil’s learning.
Doing this allows those children who are struggling to access help more easily and those who are particularly gifted to be entered into gifted and talented programs. It can also help to identify any potential future needs that could arise, enabling teachers to put support into place pre-emptively.
Each test is tailored to a particular grade, with the MAP test kindergarten children take being the first level of assessment.
In this article, you will learn more about the MAP Kindergarten test and get MAP Kindergarten reading practice test questions, as well as math questions.
What Is the MAP Kindergarten Test?
Originally developed in 2000 by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), MAP tests are designed to assess and evaluate student performance in key areas. These multiple choice assessments screen and assess for core skills.
Kindergarten assessments (also known as the MAP Kindergarten Growth Test or the NWEA Kindergarten assessment) are administered three times a year to track progress. This is usually in the fall, spring, and summer of each academic year.
Results are then used to advise teaching staff of any areas where a child may be struggling. This enables help and support to be effectively targeted.
Alternatively, the result of Kindergarten MAP test questions can identify those children who are performing above and beyond their peers who could be candidates for gifted and talented programs.
Subjects Covered on the MAP Kindergarten Test
The MAP tests used throughout a child’s education can vary. This is because educators will need more information as a child progresses through their academic career.
For children in Kindergarten, assessments in math and reading will be administered.
Reading
This is a 43-question assessment with no time limit, although children will typically finish within 40 minutes.
The Kindergarten MAP test questions within this test have been designed to assess skills such as:
- Print concepts – Understanding of the alphabet, word formation, and letter order
- Phonics – Understanding how letters form particular sounds
- Word structure – The ability to categorize words as synonyms, antonyms, suffixes, and prefixes
- Writing – Capital letters, spelling, and correct tenses within text
- Comprehension – The ability to understand something that has been written and draw conclusions from information
Example Kindergarten MAP Test Questions – Reading
1. What is the main idea of this story?
'The sun was shining bright. Emma and her dog, Max, went to the park. They played fetch and had a picnic under a big tree. Emma shared her sandwich with Max. They had a great time.'
a) Emma and Max went to the zoo.
b) Emma and Max had a fun day at the park.
c) Emma and Max went swimming.
d) Emma and Max stayed home all day.
The correct answer is: b) Emma and Max had a fun day at the park.
The story describes Emma and her dog Max enjoying activities like playing fetch and having a picnic at the park, indicating they had a fun day there.
2. Which word best completes the sentence?
'Tommy likes to read books every __________.'
a) day
b) chair
c) apple
d) quickly
The correct answer is: a) day
The word 'day' fits best in the sentence context, meaning Tommy reads books every day. The other options do not make sense in this context.
3. Which picture matches the word 'dog'?
The correct answer is: c) Image of a dog
The word 'dog' matches the image of a dog, making option b the correct answer. The other images depict different animals.
Math
Children taking math assessments will be asked to answer 43 questions covering a range of areas. There is no time limit for this test.
Areas covered within the math assessment include:
- Problem solving and computing – Basic addition and subtraction
- Geometry – The ability to identify shapes and understand concepts such as symmetry
- Algebra – Pattern and relationship recognition
- Measurement – Knowledge of time, temperature and length
- Number sense – An ability to understand concepts like counting, ordering and place value
- Statistics and probability – Understanding of simple graphs and an ability to predict future trends based on information provided
Example Kindergarten MAP Test Questions – Math
1. How many apples are there in the picture?
a) 3
b) 5
c) 7
d) 9
The correct answer is: b) 5
The picture shows 5 apples. Counting the apples confirms that there are exactly 5.
2. What is the next number in the sequence?
2, 4, 6, ___
a) 7
b) 8
c) 9
d) 10
The correct answer is: b) 8
The sequence increases by 2 each time (2, 4, 6). Adding 2 to the last number (6) gives 8.
3. If you have 3 red blocks and 2 blue blocks, how many blocks do you have in total?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7
The correct answer is: b) 5
Adding the 3 red blocks and 2 blue blocks together gives a total of 5 blocks (3 + 2 = 5).
How Is the MAP Kindergarten Test Administered?
The Kindergarten MAP assessment is available in both English and Spanish, ensuring suitability to as many children as possible no matter what their native language might be. It is a two-part, multiple-choice assessment with sections on math and reading.
This is a computerized, adaptive test. This means that children will answer questions using a computer or other similar technology.
The adaptive nature of the assessment means that the test responds to how a child answers. If they answer a question incorrectly, then the following question will be easier. Similarly, if they answer correctly, the questions will become progressively more difficult.
To make the test more accessible, it’s also available in braille and on coloured paper.
Children will be asked to answer 43 questions for each assessment with no time limit. Tests are usually administered separately, with a break between them.
Typically, the Kindergarten MAP assessment is administered by your child’s regular class teacher within their typical classroom setting. This will be an environment familiar to your child, helping them to feel more relaxed and at ease with the process.
How to Prepare Your Child for the MAP Kindergarten Test
There are several things you can do with your child to help strengthen the core skills they will need in the Kindergarten MAP tests.
Some of these things will be relatively simple, while others might require a little more thought and effort, such as taking a sample MAP test for kindergarten.
Home Preparation
- Read with your child: It is vital to never underestimate the importance of reading at home. Taking the time to sit and read books together will help to strengthen your child’s language and comprehension skills.
- Play games: Board games and games involving playing cards help to build number recognition, counting skills and basic addition and subtraction.
- Grocery shopping: This might sound like a strange thing to do, but taking your child to the store can be an excellent way of building confidence in a range of areas – for example, asking them to find particular products for you will help them to practice their reading skills; math and numerical accuracy can be improved by reading price tags and adding numbers together.
- Good sleep routines: Several studies have shown the importance of a good night’s sleep ahead of tests. Making sure your child has a good sleep routine can help them to feel less apprehensive about upcoming tests, as well as enable better retention and recall.
- Healthy eating: In a similar way to sleeping patterns, studies have shown that healthy eating, with an emphasis on fruit and vegetables, can have a positive impact on a child’s test results.
Take a Sample MAP Test for Kindergarten
A MAP practice test for kindergarten is an excellent way to help familiarize your child with the Kindergarten MAP test format and questioning style.
Taking a free MAP Kindergarten practice test is especially helpful for young children who have probably not taken formal tests before.
There are several websites that offer a sample MAP test for kindergarten children, as well as sample MAP Kindergarten test questions, such as TestPrep-Online. Some of these will offer a few questions for free before asking for payment, others will allow your child to practice entire tests.
As well as helping to build up a child’s confidence, a MAP practice for kindergarten will allow you to more easily identify areas your child could potentially struggle with. This will mean that you can focus your efforts on improving those areas before the main assessments take place.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MAP testing in Kindergarten?
MAP testing in kindergarten is an adaptive assessment that measures students' academic progress and growth in math and reading.
Should kindergarteners take MAP tests?
Accurate assessment of a child's progress throughout their academic career is important. It helps teachers to identify those students who may have fallen behind, as well as those who are performing above expectations. Taking NWEA MAP Kindergarten practice tests can help your child prepare.
Final Thoughts
The thought of tests and assessments can be overwhelming for both parents and children, especially when those children are young. However, understanding the importance of regular screening can help to make it seem less so.
By preparing your child for MAP testing – which could include their taking a NWEA kindergarten practice test, you will be able to help them feel calm and relaxed about the process, enabling them to perform to the best of their ability on the day.
This information will then much more accurately represent your child's skills and understanding, allowing their teachers to tailor their education more effectively to their needs.
