Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

Which behavior by a child indicates an understanding of one-to-one correspondence?

1. Placing blue and red balls in separate containers

2. Identifying objects in a room that come in pairs

3. Counting a group of ten objects by touching each object while saying its number aloud

4. Matching a puzzle piece with the number five to a puzzle piece with five apples on it

The correct answer is: Counting a group of ten objects by touching each object while saying its number aloud

The understanding of one-to-one correspondence is evidenced when a child counts a group of ten objects by touching each object while saying its number aloud. This behavior demonstrates that the child recognizes that each object corresponds to a specific number, and in doing so, they establish a direct relationship between the objects and the counting sequence. This process not only showcases counting skills but also reinforces the concept that each number represents a single object within a set. In this context, the child's action of touching each object as they count emphasizes their comprehension of one-to-one correspondence, as they are linking each number to exactly one item and ensuring that no objects are skipped or counted twice. Additionally, this skill is pivotal in building a foundational understanding of mathematics, as it lays the groundwork for more complex concepts like addition and subtraction, where the idea of quantity and matching is essential.