Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

Which action would best promote third graders’ development in the arts based on their interest in birds?

1. Asking each student to write and illustrate a story about his or her favorite bird to read aloud to the class.

2. Conducting a class brainstorming session on how students could use different visual and performing arts to express what they have learned.

3. Distributing coloring pages with outline drawings of the different birds and asking each student to color in the outline of his or her favorite bird.

4. Working with the students to collaborate in the creation of a large bird mural to display in the school hallway.

The correct answer is: Conducting a class brainstorming session on how students could use different visual and performing arts to express what they have learned.

Promoting third graders' development in the arts, especially based on their interest in birds, is effectively achieved by conducting a class brainstorming session on how different visual and performing arts can be used to express their learning. This approach allows students to engage actively in the artistic process, encourages critical thinking, and fosters creativity. By brainstorming, students can share their ideas and explore various modes of artistic expression—such as painting, sculpture, dance, or drama—relating to their interest in birds. This method promotes collaboration and discussion among peers, which helps develop social skills and reinforces their understanding of the subject matter. It encourages them to experiment with different techniques and forms of art, thereby enhancing their appreciation and skills within the arts. The emphasis here is on exploration and expression rather than merely producing a final product, which aligns well with the developmental needs of third graders in the arts. In contrast, while writing and illustrating a story about a favorite bird or coloring pages are valuable activities, they do not foster the same level of creative engagement and collaborative exploration as brainstorming various artistic expressions. Similarly, while creating a collaborative mural is an excellent way to bring students together, it may not provide the same breadth of artistic exploration that brainstorming offers, focusing more on the end product than