Child Development
At what age do toddlers start using single words to communicate?
Around 12 months old.
What is play-based learning?
Learning through play that supports development in all areas and is known as this type of learning.
What is one importance of classroom routines?
The daily schedule helps young children feel safe by letting them know what comes next.
Name 2 ways you act professionally at a job or practicum.
- Arriving on time
- Being prepared
- Dressing appropriately
- Speaking kindly
- Staying off your phone
- Engaging with children
- Lending a hand when appropriate
1st grade math standards state that children at this grade level should be able to count from 1 to ____?
Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120.
Describe some of the qualities of the "pre-operational stage" in child development (ages 2-7)
- Language develops quickly.
- Children create stories and role play scenarios.
-Children see the world through their own perspective, and not the perspective of others. (They struggle to understand other's feelings.)
What is the difference between an open-ended and close-ended question? Give an example of each.
Close-ended questions only require a "yes/no" response. (Ex: do you like your lunch?)
Open-ended questions support critical thinking skills and require kids to give more thorough answers. (Ex: what's your favorite thing about your lunch?)
Name 2 different ways to organize desks in a classroom.
- Traditional/rows
- Pairs
- Groups of 4
- Groups of 5
- E shape
- U shape
Give an example of something a teacher should keep confidential.
- Student grades
- Healthcare records
- IEP information
I help children know what will happen next in their day, and I often use pictures instead of words. What am I?
A visual schedule
Using three- to four-word sentences is typical of children in this age range.
Children around 3 years old.
Name at least 1 way to increase student engagement.
Double your points if you can name 3 ways to increase student engagement!
-Real world connections
-Experiential learning (hands-on experiments and learning by doing)
-Allow for student choice and ownership
-Gamification (turning the lesson into a game!)
-Movement and Variety (include physical activity or rotate strategies)
-Positive reinforcement
-Goal setting
What is redirection, and why would you use it?
Redirecting a child to another activity instead of allowing them to continue an undesirable behavior.
What is the purpose of curriculum standards?
The purpose of curriculum standards is to define clear, consistent learning goals (the "what") for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, ensuring all students receive a high-quality education and are prepared for college, careers, and life, regardless of location.
True or False: Children often learn to speak in full sentences before they can count to ten.
False (They understand more than they speak, but full sentences develop later than basic concepts).
This age group is known for saying “no,” asserting independence, and testing limits.
Toddlers (ages 1-3)
Describe the difference between teacher-centered and student-centered classrooms.
Teacher-Centered: teacher is the leader. They present information in a lecture-style classroom. Information strictly follows the curriculum.
Student-Centered: teacher is the facilitator. Instruction is more collaborative. Students may have some choice over the topics covered.
Using praise to encourage positive behavior is an example of this management strategy.
Positive Reinforcement
What does it mean to be a "mandated reporter?"
A professional who is legally required to report any suspected child abuse or neglect.
What is social-emotional development?
Social-emotional development is the process where children (and people) learn to understand their own feelings, manage emotions, build relationships, develop empathy, and make responsible decisions.
What is parallel play?
Parallel play is a developmental stage in early childhood (around 2-3 years old) where children play alongside each other with similar toys or activities but without direct interaction, collaboration, or shared goals, focusing instead on their own independent tasks
The purpose of a lesson plan is to act as a teacher's detailed roadmap, outlining learning objectives, instructional methods, activities, and assessments to guide effective instruction, ensuring a smooth, organized, and purposeful learning experience that helps students meet specific educational goals.
Name one way teachers can help students with self-regulation in the classroom.
Calm-down spaces, breathing techniques, and emotion coaching support this area of development.
What is the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct?
This NAEYC document guides ethical decision-making in early childhood education.
Who is Maria Montessori?
Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician, educator, and humanitarian, renowned for developing the revolutionary Montessori method of education, which emphasizes self-directed learning and hands-on exploration.