Illinois Early Learning Standards

Adapted from Preschool Curriculum Framework and Benchmarks for Children in
Preschool Program

• Illinois Early Learning Standards for 3 to 4 year olds
  Illinois State Board of Education Website [pdf file]
  
   
• Illinois Early Learning Standards for 3 to 4 year olds
  [Word Document] download

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Language Arts

STATE GOAL 1:
Read with understanding and fluency.

• Learning Standard A:
  Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.
  BENCHMARKS
  1.A.ECa Understand that pictures and symbols have meaning and that print carries a message.
  1.A.ECb Understand that reading progresses from left to right and top to bottom.
  1.A.ECc Identify labels and signs in the environment.
  1.A.ECd Identify some letters, including those in own name.
  1.A.ECe Make some letter-sound matches.
• Learning Standard B:
  Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.
  BENCHMARKS
  1.B.ECa Predict what will happen next using pictures and content for guides.
  1.B.ECb Begin to develop phonological awareness by participating in rhyming activities.
  1.B.ECc Recognize separable and repeating sounds in spoken language.
• Learning Standard C:
  Comprehend a broad range of reading materials.
  BENCHMARKS
  1.C.ECa Retell information from a story.
  1.C.ECb Respond to simple questions about reading material.
  1.C.ECc Demonstrate understanding of literal meaning of stories by making comments.

STATE GOAL 2:
Read and understand literature representative of various societies, eras and ideas.

• Learning Standard A:
  Understand how literary elements and techniques are used to convey meaning.
  BENCHMARK
  2.A.EC Understand that different text forms, such as magazines, notes, lists, letters, and story books, are used for different purposes.
• Learning Standard B:
  Read and interpret a variety of literary works.
  BENCHMARK
  2.B.EC Show independent interest in reading-related activities.

STATE GOAL 3:
Write to communicate for a variety of purposes.

• Learning Standard A:
  Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure.
  BENCHMARK
  3.A.EC Use scribbles, approximations of letters, or known letters to represent written language.
• Learning Standard B:
  Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences.
  BENCHMARK
  3.B.EC Dictate stories and experiences.
• Learning Standard C:
  Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.
  BENCHMARK
  3.C.EC Use drawing and writing skills to convey meaning and information.

STATE GOAL 4:
Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations.

• Learning Standard A:
  Listen effectively in formal and informal situations.
  BENCHMARK
  4.A.EC Listen with understanding and respond to directions and conversations.
• Learning Standard B:
  Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.
  BENCHMARK
  4.B.EC Communicate needs, ideas and thoughts.

STATE GOAL 5:
Use the language arts to acquire, assess and communicate information.

• Learning Standard A:
  Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems, and communicate ideas.
  BENCHMARK
  5.A.EC Seek answers to questions through active exploration.
• Learning Standard B:
  Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources.
  BENCHMARK
  5.B.EC Relate prior knowledge to new information.
• Learning Standard C:
  Apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats.
  BENCHMARK
  5.C.EC Communicate information with others.

Mathematics

STATE GOAL 6:
Demonstrate and apply a knowledge and sense of numbers, including numeration and operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), patterns, ratios and proportions.

• Learning Standard A:
  Demonstrate knowledge and use of numbers and their representations
  in a broad range of theoretical and practical settings.
  BENCHMARKS
  6.A.ECa Use concepts that include number recognition, counting and one-to-one correspondence.
  6.A.ECb Count with understanding and recognize "how many" in sets of objects.
• Learning Standard B:
  Investigate, represent, and solve problems using number facts, operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and their properties, algorithms and relationships.
  BENCHMARK
  6.B.EC Solve simple mathematical problems.
• Learning Standard C:
  Compute and estimate using mental mathematics, paper-and-pencil methods, calculators and computers.
  BENCHMARKS
  6.C.ECa Explore quantity and number.
  6.C.ECb Connect numbers to quantities they represent using physical models and representations.
• Learning Standard D:
  Solve problems using comparison of quantities, ratios, proportions and percents.
  BENCHMARKS
  6.D.EC Make comparisons of quantities.

STATE GOAL 7:
Estimate, make and use measurements of objects, quantities and relationships and determine acceptable levels of accuracy.

• Learning Standard A:
  Measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods.
  BENCHMARKS
  7.A.ECa Demonstrate a beginning understanding of measurement using non-standard units and measurement words.
  7.A.ECb Construct a sense of time through participation in daily activities.
• Learning Standard B:
  Estimate measurements and determine acceptable levels of accuracy.
  BENCHMARK
  7.B.EC Show understanding of and use comparative words.
• Learning Standard C:
  Select and use appropriate technology, instruments and formulas to solve problems, interpret results and communicate findings.
  BENCHMARK
  7.C.EC Incorporate estimating and measuring activities into play.

STATE GOAL 8:
Use algebraic and analytical methods to identify and describe patterns and relationships in data, solve problems, and predict results.

• Learning Standard A:
  Describe numerical relationships using variables and patterns.
  BENCHMARK
  8.A.EC Sort and classify objects by a variety of properties.
• Learning Standard B:
  Interpret and describe numerical relationships using tables, graphs and symbols.
  BENCHMARKS
  8.B.ECa Recognize, duplicate and extend simple patterns, such as sequences of sounds, shapes and colors.
  8.B.ECb Begin to order objects in series or rows.
• Learning Standard C:
  Solve problems using systems of numbers and their properties.
  BENCHMARK
  8.C.EC Participate in situations that involve addition and subtraction using manipulatives.
• Learning Standard D:
  Use algebraic concepts and procedures to represent and solve problems.
  BENCHMARK
  8.D.EC Describe qualitative change, such as measuring to see who is growing taller.

STATE GOAL 9:
Use geometric methods to analyze, categorize, and draw conclusions about points, lines, planes and space.

• Learning Standard A:
  Demonstrate and apply geometric concepts involving points, lines, planes and space.
  BENCHMARK
  9.A.EC Recognize geometric shapes and structures in the environment.
• Learning Standard B:
  Identify, describe, classify and compare relationships using points, lines, planes and solids.
  BENCHMARK
  9.B.EC Find and name locations with simple words, such as “near”.

STATE GOAL 10:
Collect, organize and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability.

• Learning Standard A:
  Organize, describe and make predictions from existing data.
  BENCHMARKS
  10.A.ECa Represent data using concrete objects, pictures, and graphs.
  10.A.ECb Make predictions about what will happen next.
• Learning Standard B:
  Formulate questions, design data collection methods, gather and analyze data and communicate findings.
  BENCHMARK
  10.B.EC Gather data about themselves and their surroundings

Science

STATE GOAL 11:
Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.

• Learning Standard A:
  Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scientific inquiry.
  BENCHMARKS
  11.A.ECa Uses senses to explore and observe materials and natural phenomena.
  11.A.ECb Collect, describe and record information.
• Learning Standard B:
  Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of technological design.
  BENCHMARKS
  11.B.ECa Use scientific tools such as thermometers, balance scales and magnifying glasses for investigation.
  11.B.ECb Become familiar with the use of devices incorporating technology.

STATE GOAL 12:
Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life, physical and earth/space sciences.

• Learning Standard A:
  Know and apply concepts that explain how living things function, adapt and change.
  BENCHMARKS
  12.A.ECa Investigate and categorize living things in the environment.
  12.A.ECb Show an awareness of changes that occur in themselves and their environment.
• Learning Standard B:
  Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their environment.
  BENCHMARK
  12.B.EC Describe and compare basic needs of living things.
• Learning Standard C:
  Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions between them.
  BENCHMARK
  12.C.EC Make comparisons among objects that have been observed.
• Learning Standard D:
  Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.
  BENCHMARK
  12.D.EC Describe the effects of forces in nature (e.g. wind, gravity and magnetism).
• Learning Standard E:
  Know and apply the concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth and its resources.
  BENCHMARKS
  12.E.ECa Use common weather-related vocabulary (e.g. rainy, snowy, sunny, windy).
  12.E.ECb Participate in recycling in their environment.
• Learning Standard F:
  Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and structure of the universe and the Earth’s place in it.
  BENCHMARK
  12.F.EC Identify basic concepts associated with night/day and seasons.

STATE GOAL13:
Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

• Learning Standard A:
  Know and apply the accepted practices of science.
  BENCHMARK
  13.A.EC Begin to understand basic safety practices.
• Learning Standard B:
  Know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology and society.
  BENCHMARKS
  13.B.ECa Express wonder and ask questions about their world.
  13.B.ECb Begin to be aware of technology and how it affects their lives.

Social Science

STATE GOAL 14:
Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

• Learning Standard A:
  Understand and explain basic principles of the United States government.
  BENCHMARK
  14.A.EC Recognize the reasons for rules.
• Learning Standard C:
  Understand election processes and responsibilities of citizens.
  BENCHMARK
  14.C.EC Participate in voting as a way of making choices.
• Learning Standard D:
  Understand the roles and influences of individuals and interest groups in the political systems of Illinois, the United States and other nations.
  BENCHMARK
  14.D.EC Develop an awareness of roles of leaders in their environment.

STATE GOAL 15:
Understand economic systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

• Learning Standard A:
  Understand how different economic systems operate in the exchange, production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.
  BENCHMARK
  15.A.EC Identify community workers and the services they provide.
• Learning Standard D:
  Understand trade as an exchange of goods and services.
  BENCHMARK
  15.D.EC Begin to understand the use of trade to obtain goods and services.

STATE GOAL 16:
Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations.

• Learning Standard A:
  Apply the skills of historical analysis and interpretation.
  BENCHMARK
  16.A.EC Recall information about the immediate past.

STATE GOAL 17:
Understand world geography and the effects of geography on society, with an emphasis on the United States.

• Learning Standard A:
  Locate, describe and explain places, regions and features on the Earth.
  BENCHMARKS
  17.A.ECa Locate objects and places in familiar environments.
  17.A.ECb Express beginning geographic thinking.

STATE GOAL 18:
Understand social systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

• Learning Standard A:
  Compare characteristics of culture as reflected in language, literature, the arts, traditions and institutions.
  BENCHMARK
  18.A.EC Recognize similarities and differences in people.
• Learning Standard B:
  Understand the roles and interactions of individuals and groups in society.
  BENCHMARK
  18.B.EC Understand that each of us belongs to a family and recognize that families vary.

Physical Development and Health

STATE GOAL 19:
Acquire movement skills and understand concepts needed to engage in health-enhancing physical activity.

• Learning Standard A:
  Demonstrate physical competency in individual and team sports, creative movement and leisure and work-related activities.
  BENCHMARKS
  19.A.ECa Engage in active play using gross motor skills.
  19.A.ECb Engage in active play using fine motor skills.
• Learning Standard B:
  Analyze various movement concepts and applications.
  BENCHMARK
  19.B.EC Coordinate movements to perform complex tasks.
• Learning Standard C:
  Demonstrate knowledge of rules, safety and strategies during physical activity.
  BENCHMARK
  19.C.EC Follow simple safety rules while participating in activities.

STATE GOAL 20:
Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness based upon continual self-assessment.

• Learning Standard A:
  Know and apply the principles and components of health-related fitness.
  BENCHMARK
  20.A.EC Participate in developmental activities related to physical fitness.
• Learning Standard B:
  Assess individual fitness levels.
  BENCHMARK
  20.B.EC Exhibit increased endurance.

STATE GOAL 21:
Develop team-building skills by working with others through physical activity.

• Learning Standard A:
  Demonstrate individual responsibility during group physical activities.
  BENCHMARK
  21.A.EC Follow rules and procedures when participating in group physical activities.
• Learning Standard B:
  Demonstrate cooperative skills during structured group physical activity.
  BENCHMARK
  21.B.EC Demonstrate ability to cooperate with others during group physical activities.

STATE GOAL 22:
Understand principles of health promotion and the prevention and treatment of illness and injury.

• Learning Standard A:
  Explain the basic principles of health promotion, illness prevention and safety.
  BENCHMARK
  22.A.EC Participate in simple practices that promote healthy living and prevent illness.

STATE GOAL 23:
Understand human body systems and factors that influence growth and development.

• Learning Standard A:
  Describe and explain the structure and functions of human body systems and how they interrelate.
  BENCHMARK
  23.A.EC Identify body parts and their functions.
• Learning Standard B:
  Explain the effects of health-related actions on the body systems.
  BENCHMARK
  23.B.EC Act independently in caring for personal hygiene needs.

STATE GOAL 24:
Promote and enhance health and well being through the use of effective communication and decision-making skills.

• Learning Standard A:
  Demonstrate procedures for communicating in positive ways, resolving differences and preventing conflict.
  BENCHMARKS
  24.A.ECa Use appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, wants and feelings.
  24.A.ECb Use socially acceptable ways to resolve conflict.
• Learning Standard C:
  Demonstrate skills essential to enhancing health and avoiding dangerous situations.
  BENCHMARK
  24.C.EC Participate in activities to learn to avoid dangerous situations.

Fine Arts

STATE GOAL 25:
Know the language of the arts.

• Learning Standard A:
  Understand the sensory elements, organizational principles and expressive qualities of the arts.
  BENCHMARKS
  25.A.ECa Dance: Investigate the elements of dance.
  25.A.ECb Drama: Investigate the elements of drama.
  25.A.ECc Music: Investigate the elements of music.
  25.A.ECd Visual Arts: Investigate the elements of visual arts.
• Learning Standard B:
  Understand the similarities, distinctions and connections in and among the arts.
  BENCHMARK
  25.B.EC Describe or respond to their own creative work or the creative work of others.

STATE GOAL 26:
Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.

• Learning Standard A:
  Understand processes, traditional tools and modern technologies used in the arts.
  BENCHMARKS
  26.A.ECa Dance: Participate in dance activities.
  26.A.ECb Drama: Participate in drama activities.
  26.A.ECc Music: Participate in music activities.
  26.A.ECd Visual Arts: Participate in the visual arts.
• Learning Standard B:
  Apply skills and knowledge necessary to create and perform in one or more of the arts.
  BENCHMARK
  26.B.EC Use creative arts as an avenue for self-expression.

Foreign Language

STATE GOAL 28:
Use the target language to communicate within and beyond the classroom setting.

• BENCHMARK
  28.A.EC Maintain the native language for use in a variety of purposes.

STATE GOAL 30:
Use the target language to make connections and reinforce knowledge and skills across academic, vocational and technical disciplines.

• BENCHMARK
  30.A.EC Use and maintain the native language in order to build upon and develop transferable language and literacy skills.

Social/Emotional Development

STATE GOAL 31:
Develop an awareness of personal identity and positive self-concept.

• Learning Standard A:
  Develop a positive self-concept.
  BENCHMARKS
  31.A.ECa Describe self by using several basic characteristics.
  31.A.ECb Exhibit eagerness and curiosity as a learner.
  31.A.ECc Exhibit persistence and creativity in seeking solutions to problems.
  31.A.ECd Show some initiative and independence in actions.
  31.A.ECe Use appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, wants and feelings.

STATE GOAL 32:
Demonstrate a respect and a responsibility for self and others.

• Learning Standard A:
  Perform effectively as an individual.
  BENCHMARKS
  32.A.ECa Begin to understand and follow rules.
  32.A.ECb Manage transitions and begin to adapt to change in routines.
  32.A.ECc Show empathy and caring for others.
  32.A.ECd Use the classroom environment purposefully and respectfully.
• Learning Standard B:
  Perform effectively as a member of a group.
  BENCHMARKS
  32.B.ECa Engage in cooperative group play.
  32.B.ECb Begin to share materials and experiences and take turns.
  32.B.ECc Respect the rights of self and others.
  32.B.ECd Develop relationships with children and adults.