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

What activity helps kindergarten students develop problem-solving skills using blocks?

1. Constructing random block structures individually

2. Working alone to build a tall tower

3. Collaborating in small groups to support a heavy book

4. Stacking blocks according to size

The correct answer is: Collaborating in small groups to support a heavy book

Collaborating in small groups to support a heavy book is an effective activity for helping kindergarten students develop problem-solving skills. This collaborative approach encourages communication, teamwork, and critical thinking as children discuss how to best arrange the blocks to support the weight of the book. It fosters an environment where they can share ideas, test different block configurations, and learn from one another's successes and failures. Through this process, students not only enhance their understanding of weight distribution and stability but also practice negotiation and compromise as they work towards a common goal. In contrast, activities like constructing random block structures individually or building a tall tower on their own may lack the interactive problem-solving dynamic present in group work, limiting opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. Stacking blocks according to size, while valuable for developing fine motor skills and spatial awareness, may not emphasize the essential social aspects of problem solving that arise when working together to achieve a more complex task.