FTCE Pre-K Prekindergarten PK-3 Practice Exam

Why is play an important aspect of early childhood education?

1. Play encourages memorization of facts

2. Play teaches children cooperation and sharing

3. Play allows children to escape from learning

4. Play promotes physical exhaustion

The correct answer is: Play teaches children cooperation and sharing

Play is indeed an important aspect of early childhood education because it teaches children essential social skills, including cooperation and sharing. Through play, children interact with their peers, learn to navigate social situations, and understand the importance of working together towards a common goal. This interaction fosters the development of communication skills, empathy, and the ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts, which are critical for their overall development and future social interactions. The other choices do not accurately reflect the benefits of play in early childhood education. While memorization has its own place in learning, play is more about exploration and experiential learning than rote memorization of facts. Additionally, play is not merely an escape from learning; rather, it is a vital component of how children learn and understand the world around them. Lastly, while some play activities can lead to physical activity and even exhaustion, the primary value of play in education lies in the cognitive, social, and emotional skills that it helps develop.