Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators (CEOE) Practice Exam

In a classroom dispute between two four-year-olds, what should be the teacher's best response?

1. Determining which child got to the area first and allowing them to stay

2. Dividing the dress-up clothes equally between the children

3. Prompting the children to suggest fair solutions for both

4. Reminding the children that center time will end soon

The correct answer is: Prompting the children to suggest fair solutions for both

The best response in this scenario is prompting the children to suggest fair solutions for both. Encouraging children at this age to find their own resolutions helps develop important social skills, such as negotiation and empathy. By guiding them to think of solutions themselves, the teacher fosters critical thinking and helps the children understand the concept of fairness, as they will need to consider each other's feelings and perspectives. This approach not only resolves the immediate dispute but also empowers the children, making them feel more involved and responsible for their interactions. It creates a learning opportunity where they can practice problem-solving skills in a safe environment, promoting emotional intelligence and self-regulation as they learn to navigate social situations independently.