When learning new information, which of the following is a helpful strategy for children to use to ensure they understand the content material ?

(a) Rereading the information once

(b) Asking questions and seeking clarification

(c) Pretending to understand

(d) Making up their own meanings for unfamiliar terms

The correct option is (a), (b).

Understanding and retaining new information requires active learning strategies, especially for children. Let's analyze the given options/statements to determine which strategies are helpful:

Statement (a): Rereading the information once
Rereading material allows children to review the content, catch details they might have missed during the first read, and reinforce their basic understanding of the concepts.

Statement (b): Asking questions and seeking clarification
Asking questions is a key aspect of active learning and metacognition. When children ask questions about parts they find confusing, they engage deeply with the material and clear up misunderstandings, ensuring genuine comprehension.

Statement (c): Pretending to understand
Pretending to understand prevents children from addressing gaps in their knowledge. It hinders learning rather than helping it.

Statement (d): Making up their own meanings for unfamiliar terms
Fabricating definitions for unknown words leads to misconceptions and incorrect understanding of the material.

Thus, statements (a) and (b) are helpful learning strategies, making (a), (b) the correct choice.