Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

In promoting emotional awareness among preschoolers, what strategy is most effective?

1. Encouraging children to ignore their feelings

2. Teaching children to recognize and express their emotions

3. Having children only observe emotions without discussion

4. Promoting competition in emotional expression

The correct answer is: Teaching children to recognize and express their emotions

Teaching children to recognize and express their emotions is a vital strategy in promoting emotional awareness among preschoolers. This approach directly supports their emotional development by enabling them to identify their feelings and understand that these emotions are valid and important. When preschoolers learn to recognize and articulate their emotions, they develop critical social-emotional skills, such as empathy and self-regulation. This foundation can lead to better relationship-building and conflict resolution, essential elements for their overall emotional health as they grow. In contrast to strategies that encourage children to ignore emotions or merely observe them without engaging in discussion, teaching expression facilitates open communication. It creates a safe environment where children feel comfortable sharing their feelings, fostering trust and understanding. Promoting competition in emotional expression can create unnecessary pressure, making children hesitant to be truthful about their feelings. Thus, teaching recognition and expression aligns well with best practices in early childhood education, promoting a healthy emotional landscape for young learners.