500 Flashcards FTCE Prekindergarten_Primary PK-3 Exam
A teacher expects all 4-year-olds to write This is developmentally inappropriate; most 4-year-olds are in
complete sentences independently. Identify the emergent writing stage and may use scribbles or invented spelling.
issue.
Growth refers to ______, while development refers to Growth = quantitative changes (height/weight); Development =
______. qualitative changes (skills, abilities).
What is the cephalocaudal principle? Development progresses from head to toe (e.g., infants control head
before legs).
What is the proximodistal principle? Development progresses from center outward (torso before
limbs/fingers).
A child struggles with cutting but can draw lines. Fine motor coordination is still developing; cutting requires more
What skill is developing? precise control.
Page 1 of 52
,500 Flashcards FTCE Prekindergarten_Primary PK-3 Exam
Define scaffolding in early childhood education. Temporary support given by teacher to help a child achieve a task until
they can do it independently.
All children develop at the same rate but different False. Children vary in both rate and style of development.
styles. Explain.
What is Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)? The gap between what a child can do alone and what they can do with
assistance.
A teacher gives hints instead of answers. What Scaffolding within the ZPD.
concept is applied?
Define attachment in early childhood. Emotional bond between child and caregiver that influences
social/emotional development.
What is secure attachment? Child feels safe exploring environment knowing caregiver is reliable.
Page 2 of 52
,500 Flashcards FTCE Prekindergarten_Primary PK-3 Exam
A child cries excessively when parent leaves. What Possibly insecure attachment (anxious).
type of attachment might this indicate?
Erikson's stage for preschoolers is ______ vs. ______. Initiative vs. Guilt
What happens if initiative is not supported? Child may develop guilt and lack confidence in trying new tasks.
Define temperament. Inborn personality traits influencing behavior (e.g., easy, difficult, slow-
to-warm-up).
A shy child avoids group play. Best teacher Gradually introduce social opportunities without forcing participation.
response?
What is play-based learning? Learning through exploration, imagination, and interaction via play.
Why is play critical in early childhood? Supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Play is less important than direct instruction. False. Play is essential for holistic development and foundational
Explain. learning.
Define inclusion in early childhood settings. Educating children with and without disabilities together in same
environment.
Page 3 of 52
, 500 Flashcards FTCE Prekindergarten_Primary PK-3 Exam
A teacher modifies tasks for a child with delays. Differentiation/Individualization.
What practice is this?
What is family-centered practice? Involving families as partners in child's education.
Fill in blank: Bronfenbrenner's theory includes Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem (also Macrosystem,
______, ______, and ______ systems. Chronosystem).
What is the microsystem? Immediate environment (family, school).
Parent-teacher communication improves child Mesosystem
outcomes. Which system?
Define culturally responsive teaching. Teaching that respects and incorporates students' cultural
backgrounds.
Why is cultural awareness important in PK-3? It promotes inclusion, respect, and effective learning.
Page 4 of 52
A teacher expects all 4-year-olds to write This is developmentally inappropriate; most 4-year-olds are in
complete sentences independently. Identify the emergent writing stage and may use scribbles or invented spelling.
issue.
Growth refers to ______, while development refers to Growth = quantitative changes (height/weight); Development =
______. qualitative changes (skills, abilities).
What is the cephalocaudal principle? Development progresses from head to toe (e.g., infants control head
before legs).
What is the proximodistal principle? Development progresses from center outward (torso before
limbs/fingers).
A child struggles with cutting but can draw lines. Fine motor coordination is still developing; cutting requires more
What skill is developing? precise control.
Page 1 of 52
,500 Flashcards FTCE Prekindergarten_Primary PK-3 Exam
Define scaffolding in early childhood education. Temporary support given by teacher to help a child achieve a task until
they can do it independently.
All children develop at the same rate but different False. Children vary in both rate and style of development.
styles. Explain.
What is Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)? The gap between what a child can do alone and what they can do with
assistance.
A teacher gives hints instead of answers. What Scaffolding within the ZPD.
concept is applied?
Define attachment in early childhood. Emotional bond between child and caregiver that influences
social/emotional development.
What is secure attachment? Child feels safe exploring environment knowing caregiver is reliable.
Page 2 of 52
,500 Flashcards FTCE Prekindergarten_Primary PK-3 Exam
A child cries excessively when parent leaves. What Possibly insecure attachment (anxious).
type of attachment might this indicate?
Erikson's stage for preschoolers is ______ vs. ______. Initiative vs. Guilt
What happens if initiative is not supported? Child may develop guilt and lack confidence in trying new tasks.
Define temperament. Inborn personality traits influencing behavior (e.g., easy, difficult, slow-
to-warm-up).
A shy child avoids group play. Best teacher Gradually introduce social opportunities without forcing participation.
response?
What is play-based learning? Learning through exploration, imagination, and interaction via play.
Why is play critical in early childhood? Supports cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
Play is less important than direct instruction. False. Play is essential for holistic development and foundational
Explain. learning.
Define inclusion in early childhood settings. Educating children with and without disabilities together in same
environment.
Page 3 of 52
, 500 Flashcards FTCE Prekindergarten_Primary PK-3 Exam
A teacher modifies tasks for a child with delays. Differentiation/Individualization.
What practice is this?
What is family-centered practice? Involving families as partners in child's education.
Fill in blank: Bronfenbrenner's theory includes Microsystem, Mesosystem, Exosystem (also Macrosystem,
______, ______, and ______ systems. Chronosystem).
What is the microsystem? Immediate environment (family, school).
Parent-teacher communication improves child Mesosystem
outcomes. Which system?
Define culturally responsive teaching. Teaching that respects and incorporates students' cultural
backgrounds.
Why is cultural awareness important in PK-3? It promotes inclusion, respect, and effective learning.
Page 4 of 52
