Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

What is the main objective of a kindergarten teacher identifying letters and words during walks?

1. Understanding the alphabetic principle

2. Familiarity with environmental print

3. Recognizing sight words

4. Knowledge of conventional spelling patterns

The correct answer is: Familiarity with environmental print

Familiarity with environmental print serves as an essential objective for a kindergarten teacher during walks, as it allows young children to connect the written language to their surroundings. By identifying letters and words in logos, signs, and labels, children begin to recognize that print exists all around them in their daily lives. This exposure helps to reinforce their understanding of literacy as a functional part of communication, enhancing their engagement and motivation in learning. Through such activities, students develop the ability to make associations between written words and their meanings in a real-world context, which is crucial for early literacy development. Observing environmental print encourages children to notice details in their environment, fostering curiosity and promoting an understanding that reading and writing are relevant to their everyday experiences. Overall, planting the seeds of awareness regarding how print is used in the world provides a strong foundation for future literacy skills.