Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

In preschool, which language challenge may indicate a concern for a child's oral language development?

1. Struggling to name objects in a picture

2. Difficulty describing recent events they participated in

3. Inability to recite nursery rhymes

4. Reluctance to speak in front of peers

The correct answer is: Difficulty describing recent events they participated in

The challenge of difficulty in describing recent events may indicate a concern for a child's oral language development because it reflects their ability to organize thoughts, use vocabulary, and articulate experiences clearly. This skill is essential for effective communication, as it involves not only recalling information but also sequencing events in a coherent manner and using language that conveys the experience to others. A child who struggles with this may have limitations in expressive language skills, which are crucial for social interactions, academic success, and overall communication competence. Other options also highlight various aspects of language development, but they may not necessarily indicate a significant concern on their own. For instance, struggling to name objects in pictures could stem from limited vocabulary or understanding but does not encompass the broader strategies involved in narrative skills. Inability to recite nursery rhymes may relate more to memory or exposure rather than overall language ability. Reluctance to speak in front of peers can indicate shyness or social anxiety, which while important, does not directly assess a child's language proficiency as effectively as the ability to describe experiences.