Ontario Early Childhood Educator Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Fast mapping is a crucial process in language acquisition, particularly observed in young children. It refers to the intuitive ability of children to quickly learn new words and associate them with their meanings after only a brief exposure. This process involves relating the new word to concepts or words they already understand. For instance, if a child hears the word "dog" while pointing to a dog, they can make the connection that the word refers to that animal, even if they had never encountered the word before.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of language learning but do not accurately define fast mapping. The method of correcting language errors focuses on refining language skills rather than quickly acquiring new vocabulary. Encouraging verbal communication involves activities that promote discussion and speech but doesn't specifically involve the rapid association process intrinsic to fast mapping. Lastly, the strategy of remembering vocabulary through repetition emphasizes memorization rather than the instantaneous learning and concept linking characteristic of fast mapping.