Words like “integer” and “quotient” aren’t typically known for bringing smiles to students’ faces. But these terms are just a few examples that set the ISEE and SSAT apart from routine school exams. Watermelon Math aims to bring a bit of joy to the test preparation journey for Lower Level ISEE and Middle Level SSAT students.
Here are 4 ways to make the most out of studying ISEE and SSAT math concepts with Watermelon Math flashcards.
Combine with ISEE practice tests and study books
Standard study books and practice tests are the cornerstones of ISEE test preparation. Watermelon Math serves as a complementary tool, designed to strengthen areas where students struggle to connect the dots.
One of my former students had a brilliant method for this. He would set aside specific Watermelon Math cards that corresponded to practice test questions he answered incorrectly and concepts he didn’t quite understand in the study book. He would then use that stack of flashcards to study with a laser focus on strengthening his weaknesses.
Watermelon Math offers a refreshing change of scenery from the monotony of a study book through engaging visual representations of key math concepts.
Students can reinforce their knowledge comprehension by incorporating different learning styles into their ISEE test preparation.
Turn math into a collaborative game
Grab a parent or sibling and sit across from each other. Deal 5 cards to each player and decide who will go first. Since this is a collaborative game instead of a “first one to win” game, it won’t matter who goes first.
The first player lays one card down for all players to see. The challenge is for the next player to connect the presented concept to a concept on a card in their own hand.
If the player has a card that they can connect to the presented concept, they lay it down and draw a card from the deck to end their turn.
It then goes to the next player to connect to the concept that was just laid down. If no one can lay a card down, take a card from the top of the deck, place it down, and go back to the first player.
For example, let’s say the first player puts down the Square Number card. The next player could connect it to the concept of Area because the area of a square is always a square number.
As more cards are played, it will get trickier to connect the concepts, so the game gets more creative. The more imaginative the connections, the more fun it will be. Our brains remember concepts better when we relate them to other ideas. This lower level ISEE math challenge will not only increase the likelihood of your student remembering the concepts more deeply, it will add a bit of fun to studying!
Play a study game with a friend
Shuffle the cards and deal 5 to each player, keeping the answer on the reverse side hidden.
The first player places a card down on the table and explains the concept. If the player is correct, he or she draws another card from the deck. If the explanation is incorrect, the card goes to the bottom of the deck and it becomes the next player’s turn.
The first player to correctly explain 10 cards is the winner.
Or, spice it up with the ISEE math speed round! Players take turns explaining as many concepts as they can in 30 seconds, drawing cards randomly from the deck. Whoever explains the most concepts correctly before the time runs out, wins.
A little competition and excitement will keep students engaged in studying for the ISEE or SSAT.
Quick, light-hearted review before test time
On the morning of the exam, it’s helpful to engage in a quick review, but trying to run through all the ISEE test prep materials at once could be stressful and confusing.
Watermelon Math flashcards were designed with a focus on creating a positive atmosphere, keeping the learning process enjoyable. It’s widely recognized that both kids and adults perform better in academic and professional settings when they’re in a positive mood.
Using Watermelon Math flashcards as a quick refresher will keep key concepts top-of-mind through a lighthearted, joyful activity. As students flip through a deck of concepts they’ve been learning, it will reinforce their understanding and instill a sense of confidence.
Showing up to take the ISEE with feelings of confidence and happiness cannot be underestimated.
One of my favorite things about creating the Watermelon Math flashcards was working with my illustrator to bring life to each one of the characters. The vibrant colors and playful illustrations are there to bring joy and create a stress-free learning experience.
Using the flashcards for a quick review before the exam is a great way to reinforce concepts without causing unnecessary anxiety.
Studying for the ISEE or SSAT doesn’t have to be stressful and boring. Add Watermelon Math to your preparation strategy to relieve the pressure while enhancing your math skills.
