Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

Which material would be most appropriate for promoting fine motor development in four-year-old children?

1. Origami paper for folding various objects

2. Wooden jigsaw puzzles with 8 to 25 pieces

3. Intricate paper shapes for cutting with scissors

4. Colorful fabric squares and blunt needles with heavy thread

The correct answer is: Wooden jigsaw puzzles with 8 to 25 pieces

Choosing wooden jigsaw puzzles with 8 to 25 pieces is effective for promoting fine motor development in four-year-old children because these puzzles require the use of precision and coordination. As children manipulate the puzzle pieces, they develop their finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination, essential components of fine motor skills. Engaging with puzzles also supports cognitive development, as children learn to match shapes and colors and solve problems related to assembling the puzzle. The task of fitting pieces together encourages concentration and perseverance, which are beneficial traits for their overall development. While other materials might offer some fine motor benefits, they may not align as closely with the needs and abilities of four-year-old children. For instance, origami paper could involve more complicated folding techniques that might be challenging for their skill level, intricate paper shapes could lead to frustration with cutting, and working with fabric and needles typically requires more advanced skills, possibly making them less appropriate for their developmental stage.