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

Which age group begins to use body language to communicate feelings?

1. Birth to 8 months

2. 8 to 18 months

3. 18 to 36 months

4. 36 to 48 months

The correct answer is: 8 to 18 months

The age group of 8 to 18 months is when children begin to use body language more deliberately to communicate their feelings. During this developmental stage, infants transition from generally reacting to their environment to intentionally expressing their desires and emotions through gestures, such as reaching, waving, or shaking their heads. At this age, they become increasingly aware of social interactions and start to experiment with non-verbal communication. For example, a child might point to an object they want or show excitement by jumping or clapping. This stage is crucial for the development of social skills, as children begin to understand and respond to the emotional cues of others, using their body language to effectively convey their own feelings. In contrast, children from birth to 8 months are primarily focused on instinctive responses and early non-verbal cues, rather than intentional communication through body language. By the time children reach 18 to 36 months, they further develop their ability to communicate with a combination of body language and emerging verbal skills. Similarly, children aged 36 to 48 months exhibit more advanced communication strategies, incorporating more complex gestures and spoken language. Thus, the 8 to 18 month age range is significant in the early development of non-verbal communication skills.