I have, within my memory, a sort of Museum of Student Joys and Triumphs, and a Museum of Student Suffering and Mistakes. These pieces of writing are reflections on the countless visits to those museums.
-
Why “Go Back and Check Your Work” Is So Hard for Students (And How to Train It)
If you’ve ever been a parent or teacher sitting beside a child taking a timed test, you’ve probably said some version of: “Remember to go back and check your work.” It’s one of those “if I had a nickel…” phrases.…
-
ISEE Test Prep: Using Timed Sets to Refine Strategies and Habits
Timing is one of the biggest challenges students face on the ISEE. Even strong students and problem-solvers can struggle to use their time effectively once the clock starts. And while taking full-length practice tests can help, they’re not always the…
-
Common Mistakes on the Lower Level ISEE: Median
One of the joys of specializing in the ISEE is that I get to identify patterns in how students interact with specific skills and concepts. After working with hundreds of 4th and 5th graders preparing for the Lower Level ISEE,…
-
5 Ways the Lower Level ISEE is So Challenging for Students
For many 4th and 5th graders, the Lower Level ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is the hardest test they’ve ever taken. Parents often ask me, “My child gets A’s and B’s in school—why is this so challenging?” The answer lies…
-
4 Ways Parents Can Support their Lower Level ISEE Students in October
October is a pivotal time in the ISEE prep calendar! Many independent schools in the U.S. set January or February as the admissions deadline, so families often schedule their students to take the ISEE twice: first in November, then again…
-
Is Aiming for the Top Score on the ISEE Counter-Productive?
The top score on the ISEE is a stanine of 9. Naturally, most students and families would love to achieve the prestigious 9. But, can aiming for perfection be counter-productive? I think so. Here’s why. Extreme pressure Scoring a 9…
-
Fun Ways to Study ISEE and SSAT Vocabulary
Have you ever noticed that some things stick in your memory forever, while others vanish faster than they arrived? It all comes down to association. Our brains love connecting concepts to our experiences, feelings, and senses. The stronger the connection,…
-
ISEE and SSAT Reading Comprehension: Speed vs. Understanding
The reading comprehension section of the ISEE and SSAT can be quite a challenge, even for strong readers. Why? The key lies in balancing speed with understanding. Unlike leisurely reading, where you soak in the details, the ISEE demands students…
-
Birds in the Classroom: an Ode to Teaching Adolescents
For 5 years, I had the privilege and honor of teaching at the Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nestled in the hills of beautiful Manoa, my classroom buzzed with the delightful energy of 7th graders. Breezes whispered through the windows,…
-
4 Ways to Use Watermelon Math Study Cards
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…
-
Earning a top score on the Verbal Reasoning section of the ISEE
Veggies in the Fridge; Vocab on the Fridge Earning a top score on the Verbal Reasoning section of the ISEE With bestsellers like Atomic Habits by James Clear and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey selling…
-
Taking the ISEE or SSAT in London
London, England has a vibrant international community, which is home to over 90,000 Americans. For nearly a decade, I was one of them! While it might be tempting to think that American and British cultures are similar, those of us…
-
When to start preparing for the ISEE or SSAT? 6 reasons why Spring and Summer are best.
After more than 12 years working closely with students preparing for the ISEE or SSAT exams, there’s something I see year in and year out: while some proactive families start their preparation in the spring or summer, a large number…
-
ISEE Lower Level Test Prep: 5 Key Math Concepts
The Independent School Entrance Exam, or ISEE, is a test your child may need to take when applying to independent schools in the US. The lower level entrance exam is for students entering grades 5 and 6. To maximize test…
-
8 Great, Colorful, and Kinesthetic Ways to Tackle the Times Tables
It’s not news that children need to master their math facts, whether they’re preparing for a high-stakes test or simply building a solid foundation for future math success. If your children will be taking the ISEE or SSAT, it’s especially…
