Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

Which approach would most effectively support children in recognizing print differences in stories?

1. Reading with enthusiasm

2. Incorporating illustrations purposefully

3. Using varied pitch and tone while reading

4. Engaging in interactive discussions after reading

The correct answer is: Using varied pitch and tone while reading

Using varied pitch and tone while reading is an effective approach for supporting children in recognizing print differences in stories. When a teacher employs different pitches and tones, it helps to create a dynamic and engaging reading experience that highlights the emotional content of the text. This, in turn, draws children's attention to different aspects of the print, such as dialogue spoken by characters versus narrative text. By emphasizing these differences, children can more easily identify features like quotation marks, italics, and other print variations that denote different types of spoken or narrative text. Engaging children through varied vocal expressions not only captivates their interest but also helps them make connections between the spoken word and written language. This multisensory approach enhances their understanding of print concepts, allowing them to differentiate between the various roles print plays in storytelling. Encouraging children to focus on how changes in tone might signify different emotions or actions can be particularly helpful for developing their literacy skills.