What is the recommended approach when some children finish their snack earlier than others and story time is coming up?

• A. Let the early finishers look at books in the story area while the others finish.
• B. Have the early finishers help clean up tables.
• C. Force early finishers to wait.
• D. Tell them to go outside until story time.

Answer: (A)

When some children finish their snack early, the best approach is to provide a quiet, self-directed activity that aligns with what comes next. Letting the early finishers look at books in the story area keeps them quietly engaged without interrupting others, supports literacy and listening readiness, and models independent, appropriate use of space during a transition. It also creates a smooth, predictable routine: those who finish early know there’s a calm, constructive option to occupy themselves as story time approaches. Other choices tend to disrupt the flow—cleaning up right before a story can be noisy and hurried, waiting offers little engagement, and going outside adds an unnecessary transition away from the indoor listening environment.