How Children Learn

Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Essentials to Meaningful Play?

• Joyful

• Iterative

• Socially interactive

• Teacher-directed

Meaningful play is described as “actively engaging.” What does this mean for children?

• Children watch others play without joining in

• Children are directly involved in hands-on learning

• Teachers provide step-by-step directions for play

• Children sit quietly and listen to a story

Play that encourages children to try again after making mistakes supports which essential?

• Joyful

• Iterative

• Meaningful

• Socially interactive

When children laugh, smile, and feel motivated during play, which essential is most clearly present?

• Joyful

• Socially interactive

• Actively engaging

• Iterative

Which of the following is an example of an open-ended toy?

• Jigsaw puzzle with 20 pieces

• Legos that can be built into many designs

• Shape sorter with fixed slots

• Memory matching card game

Which of the following is an example of a closed-ended toy?

• Dress-up clothes

• Wooden blocks

• Puzzle with only one correct solution

• Playdough

Pretend play with dolls, costumes, or props helps children primarily develop:

• Symbolic and imaginative learning

• Gross motor skills

• Memorization skills

• Fine motor control

When children climb, run, and play tag on the playground, they are strengthening:

• Emotional control

• Symbolic play

• Physical skills (gross motor)

• Problem-solving

Working together to solve a puzzle helps children:

• Express emotions

• Develop problem-solving skills

• Build symbolic learning

• Avoid frustration

When children explore sand, water, and nature, they are learning to:

• Explore and make sense of their world

• Control emotions

• Memorize facts only

• Avoid social interaction