Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

Which method is effective for assessing preschool children's comprehension of stories?

1. Having them retell the story in written form

2. Encouraging them to draw scenes from the story

3. Quizzing them on character names

4. Providing a standardized test

The correct answer is: Encouraging them to draw scenes from the story

Encouraging preschool children to draw scenes from a story effectively assesses their comprehension because it allows them to express their understanding in a developmentally appropriate way. At this age, children are often more comfortable with visual representations than with verbal or written responses. Drawing enables them to illustrate their interpretation of the story, including key events, characters, and emotions. This form of assessment taps into their creativity and provides insight into their thought processes and engagement with the narrative. Additionally, through the act of drawing, children can reflect on the sequence and significance of the events, which further demonstrates their comprehension. This method encourages a holistic understanding of the narrative rather than relying solely on memory recall or recognition of character names, making it a more effective tool for assessment in early childhood settings.