Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Primary Education (PK–5) (OAE 057) Practice Exam

In planning a morning schedule for kindergarten students, which of the following guidelines should the teacher take into account?

1. Students should be able to sit still for long periods of time

2. Morning activities should not be active

3. Most activities should be directed by the students to maintain engagement

4. Instructional activities should be balanced between active and still listening

The correct answer is: Instructional activities should be balanced between active and still listening

The selected answer emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between active and still listening activities during morning instruction for kindergarten students. In early childhood education, children thrive on variety and engagement; therefore, a well-structured schedule that incorporates both interactive, hands-on activities and opportunities for guided listening is crucial for sustaining their attention and promoting learning. Kindergarteners often have shorter attention spans and benefit from shifting between different types of activities. This balance helps to cater to varying developmental needs and learning styles. Active activities can help to channel children's energy constructively, while periods of still listening allow for the absorption of new information and development of focused attention. In contrast to this answer, the idea that students should sit still for long periods fails to recognize the developmental capabilities of young children, who are generally more successful with movement incorporated into their day. The notion that morning activities should not be active disregards the need for physical movement, which is important for cognitive development and can enhance learning. Lastly, while student-directed activities do promote engagement, relying solely on them might not provide adequate structure and guidance, which is also essential at this developmental stage. Thus, a balance in activities ensures that students remain engaged and learning effectively throughout the morning.