ERB Early Readiness / NYC ISAAGNY-style Skills Exam Survival Guide

Audience: Pre-K–Grade 1 independent school readiness (schools may use ERB tools or in-house assessments)

Must-do

• Language & Pre-Literacy: letter names/sounds, rhyme, simple blending; oral directions.
• Early Math: counting, quantity comparison, shapes, simple patterns.
• Cognitive/Reasoning: picture analogies, classification, sequencing.
• Fine-Motor & School Behaviors: pencil grip, following routines, turn-taking.

Top traps

• Letter sounds vs names confusion.
• Counting objects with double-count/skip-count errors.
• Pattern rule not articulated (color vs shape vs size).
• Rushing tasks without listening to the full direction.

Quick checks

• Identify 5 letter sounds.
• Count 12 blocks accurately; show “how many more to make 15.”
• Continue ABBA pattern with shapes.
• Follow a 2-step direction (circle the square, then draw a line under the triangle).

You will make

• Sound Boxes (Elkonin) + picture cards.
• Pattern Strips (AB, ABB, ABC).
• Shape Hunt Booklet (home/classroom photos).
• Routine Cards (first/then visuals).

Last-48h

• 5 minutes of letters/sounds game.
• 10 counters: make teen numbers (ten-and-ones).
• 3 simple pattern completions.
• Practice 2-step directions with a parent/teacher.

Speed tactics

• Slow is smooth: listen → do.
• Touch-count objects; say numbers once each.
• Name the pattern rule aloud before continuing it.

Day-of plan

• Calm start (snack, bathroom, comfy clothes).
• 3-minute warm-up: sounds, shapes, count to 20.
• Encouragement > pressure.