Subarea 3 consists of 31 test questions. The content of these questions spans across multiple curricular areas, with scenarios relating to the fundamental concepts, skills, and teaching strategies that promote children’s learning of mathematics, science and social sciences. In most cases, questions in this subarea will not ask you to solve equations or locate geographic points on a map. Instead, the focus is on knowing curricular content well enough to determine how best to teach it.
Subarea 3 of the ECE content test will also address children’s physical, social and emotional development, as well as learning about and learning through the arts. These include the visual arts, music, drama and dance.
As always, be aware of the grade level and the key concept being addressed in the question scenario. Rely on your knowledge of developmentally appropriate and evidence-based instructional practices to guide you toward the best answer. Look for answer options that support inquiry-based, hands-on learning and creative and critical thinking on the part of the children.
Check out these Subarea 3 focused resources and links:
- PreK and Primary Grade Math Terms
- More Math Buzz Words
- Representing Data
- The Scientific Method Explained
- The Wonder of Science: Scientific Inquiry: https://thewonderofscience.com/teaching
- HighScope: Social Studies in Preschool: https://highscope.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/166.pdf
- Exploring Terms in the Arts
Let’s review select practice questions related to learning across the curriculum.