ERB ISEE Primary Exam Survival Guide

Audience: Grades 2–4 applicants | Use: Home/center prep without stress

Must-do

• Reading: one-sentence main idea, 2 details; vocab via context.
• Math: place value, add/sub (P2), intro mult/div (P3/4), shapes/measure.
• Listening (P2): follow short directions.
• Writing sample: B–M–E with neatness.

Top traps

• Reversing tens/ones (41 vs 14).
• Skipping models/diagrams for word problems.
• Writing with no punctuation/spaces.

Quick checks

• Build 63 on place-value mat; compare to 36.
• Word problem drawing (tape/number line).
• Main idea of 5-sentence passage (1 line).
• B–M–E story: 3 sentences.

You will make

• Place-Value Mat + Cards.
• Ten-Frame & Number Line Kit.
• Main-Idea Ladder.
• Story Starter Picture Cards.

Last-48h

• 10 mixed math facts + 3 word problems.
• 2 mini-passages with 4 Q each.
• 1 listening practice (parent reads; child answers).
• Early bedtime; calming routine.

Speed tactics

• Read the question first on short passages.
• Touch-count; align numbers in columns.
• Praise effort; keep mood positive.

Day-of plan

• 5-min cozy warm-up (counting, shapes, read a page).
• Water/snack; deep breaths; steady pace.