Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards

Learning Standards with Preschool Benchmark Examples

LANGUAGE ARTS
LEARNING STANDARD 1.E • Identify the front and back covers of books and display the correct • With teacher assistance, demonstrate understanding of the
Use increasingly complex phrases, sentences, and vocabulary. orientation of books and page-turning skills. one-to-one correspondence of letters and sounds.
LEARNING STANDARD 1.A LEARNING STANDARD 4.A
Demonstrate understanding through age-appropriate responses. Preschool Benchmark Examples LEARNING STANDARD 2.D Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic
•W
 ith teacher assistance, begin to use increasingly complex sentences. Establish personal connections with books. features of print.
Preschool Benchmark Examples •E
 xhibit curiosity and interest in learning new words heard in LEARNING STANDARD 5.A
• Follow simple one-, two- and three-step directions. conversations and books. Preschool Benchmark Examples Preschool Benchmark Examples Demonstrate growing interest and abilities in writing.
• Respond appropriately to questions from others. • With teacher assistance, discuss illustrations in books and make • Recognize the differences between print and pictures.
personal connections to the pictures and story. • Begin to follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and Preschool Benchmark Examples
LEARNING STANDARD 1.B • With teacher assistance, compare and contrast two stories relating to page by page. • Experiment with writing tools and materials.
Communicate effectively using language appropriate to the situation LEARNING STANDARD 2.A the same topic. • Use scribbles, letterlike forms, or letters/words to represent
and audience. Demonstrate interest in stories and books. LEARNING STANDARD 4.B written language.
Preschool Benchmark Examples Demonstrate an emerging knowledge and understanding of
Preschool Benchmark Examples
the alphabet. LEARNING STANDARD 5.B
• Use language for a variety of purposes. •E  ngage in book-sharing experiences with purpose LEARNING STANDARD 3.A Use writing to represent ideas and information.
• Continue a conversation through two or more exchanges. and understanding. Recognize key ideas and details in nonfiction text. Preschool Benchmark Examples
• L ook at books independently, pretending to read. • With teacher assistance, recite the alphabet. Preschool Benchmark Examples
LEARNING STANDARD 1.C Preschool Benchmark Examples • Recognize and name some upper/lowercase letters of the alphabet, • With teacher assistance, use a combination of drawing, dictating, or
Use language to convey information and ideas. LEARNING STANDARD 2.B • With teacher assistance, ask and answer questions about details in a especially those in own name. writing to express an opinion about a book or topic.
Recognize key ideas and details in stories. nonfiction book. • With teacher assistance, use a combination of drawing, dictating, or
Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Describe familiar people, places, things, and events and, with teacher Preschool Benchmark Examples
• With teacher assistance, retell detail(s) about main topic in a LEARNING STANDARD 4.C writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name
nonfiction book. Demonstrate an emerging understanding of spoken words, syllables, what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.
assistance, provide additional detail. •W
 ith teacher assistance, ask and answer questions about
and sounds (phonemes).
LEARNING STANDARD 1.D
books read aloud. LEARNING STANDARD 3.B LEARNING STANDARD 5.C
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 ith teacher assistance, retell familiar stories with three or Recognize features of nonfiction books. Preschool Benchmark Examples Use writing to research and share knowledge.
Speak using conventions of Standard English. more key events. • Recognize that sentences are made up of separate words.
Preschool Benchmark Examples • With teacher assistance, recognize and match words that rhyme. Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples
• With teacher assistance, use complete sentences in speaking with LEARNING STANDARD 2.C • With teacher assistance, identify basic similarities and differences in • Participate in group projects or units of study designed to learn about
peers and adults in individual and group situations. Recognize concepts of books. pictures and information found in two texts on the same topic. LEARNING STANDARD 4.D a topic of interest.
Demonstrate emergent phonics and word-analysis skills. • With teacher assistance, recall factual information and share that
• Speak using age-appropriate conventions of Standard English Preschool Benchmark Examples information through drawing, dictation, or writing.
grammar and usage. • I nteract with a variety of types of texts (e.g., storybooks, poems, Preschool Benchmark Examples
rhymes, songs). • Recognize own name and common signs and labels in the environment.

MATHEMATICS
LEARNING STANDARD 6.D LEARNING STANDARD 7.C Preschool Benchmark Examples
Compare quantities using appropriate vocabulary terms. Explore tools used for measurement. • With adult assistance, represent a simple repeating pattern by
LEARNING STANDARD 6.A verbally describing it or by modeling it with objects or actions. LEARNING STANDARD 10.A
Demonstrate beginning understanding of numbers, number names, Preschool Benchmark Examples Preschool Benchmark Examples Generate questions and processes for answering them.
and numerals. •C
 ompare two collections to see if they are equal or determine which • With teacher assistance, explore use of measuring tools that use
is more, using a procedure of the child’s choice. standard units to measure objects and quantities that are meaningful Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples • With teacher assistance, come up with meaningful questions that can
• Count with understanding and recognize “how many” in small
•D
 escribe comparisons with appropriate vocabulary, such as “more”, to the child. LEARNING STANDARD 9.A be answered through gathering information.
“less”, “greater than”, “fewer”, “equal to”, or “same as”. • Know that different attributes, such as length, weight, and time, Recognize, name, and match common shapes.
sets up to 5. are measured using different kinds of units, such as feet, pounds, • Gather data about themselves and their surroundings to answer
• Use subitizing (the rapid and accurate judgment of how many items Preschool Benchmark Examples meaningful questions.
and seconds.
there are without counting) to identify the number of objects in sets • Recognize and name common two- and three-dimensional shapes
of 4 or less. LEARNING STANDARD 7.A and describe some of their attributes (e.g., number of sides, straight LEARNING STANDARD 10.B
Measure objects and quantities using direct comparison methods and or curved lines). Organize and describe data and information.
LEARNING STANDARD 6.B nonstandard units. LEARNING STANDARD 8.A • Sort collections of two- and three-dimensional shapes by type (e.g., Preschool Benchmark Examples
Add and subtract to create new numbers and begin to construct sets. Explore objects and patterns. triangles, rectangles, circles, cubes, spheres, pyramids). • Organize, represent, and analyze information using concrete objects,
Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples pictures, and graphs, with teacher support.
• Recognize that numbers (or sets of objects) can be combined or
•C
 ompare, order, and describe objects according to a single attribute. Preschool Benchmark Examples LEARNING STANDARD 9.B • Make predictions about the outcome prior to collecting information,
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 se nonstandard units to measure attributes such as length • Sort, order, compare, and describe objects according to Demonstrate an understanding of location and ordinal position, using
separated to make another number. and capacity. characteristics or attribute(s). with teacher support and multiple experiences over time.
appropriate vocabulary.
• Show understanding of how to count out and construct sets of • Recognize, duplicate, extend, and create simple patterns in
objects of a given number up to 5. LEARNING STANDARD 7.B various formats. Preschool Benchmark Examples LEARNING STANDARD 10.C
Begin to make estimates of measurements. • Show understanding of location and ordinal position. Determine, describe, and apply the probabilities of events.
LEARNING STANDARD 6.C Preschool Benchmark Examples LEARNING STANDARD 8.B • Use appropriate vocabulary for identifying location and Preschool Benchmark Examples
Begin to make reasonable estimates of numbers. Describe and document patterns using symbols. ordinal position. • Describe likelihood of events with appropriate vocabulary, such as
•P
 ractice estimating in everyday play and everyday
Preschool Benchmark Examples measurement problems. “possible”, “impossible”, “always”, and “never”.
• Estimate number of objects in a small set.

SCIENCE
LEARNING STANDARD 12.C LEARNING STANDARD 12.E
Explore the physical properties of objects. Explore concepts and information related to the Earth, including ways
LEARNING STANDARD 11.A LEARNING STANDARD 12.A to take care of our planet. LEARNING STANDARD 13.A
Develop beginning skills in the use of science and engineering Understand that living things grow and change. Preschool Benchmark Examples Understand rules to follow when investigating and exploring.
practices, such as observing, asking questions, solving problems, • Identify, describe, and compare the physical properties of objects. Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples • Experiment with changes in matter when combined with • Observe and describe characteristics of earth, water, and air. Preschool Benchmark Examples
and drawing conclusions. •O
 bserve, investigate, describe, and categorize living things. • Begin to understand basic safety practices one must follow when
other substances • Participate in discussions about simple ways to take care of
Preschool Benchmark Examples •S
 how an awareness of changes that occur in oneself and the environment. exploring and engaging in science and engineering investigations.
• Express wonder and curiosity about their world by asking questions, the environment. LEARNING STANDARD 12.D
solving problems, and designing things. Explore concepts of force and motion. LEARNING STANDARD 12.F LEARNING STANDARD 13.B
• Develop and use models to represent their ideas, observations, and LEARNING STANDARD 12.B Explore changes related to the weather and seasons. Use tools and technology to assist with science and
explanations through approaches such as drawing, building, or Understand that living things reply on the environment and/or others Preschool Benchmark Examples engineering investigations.
modeling with clay. to live and grow. • Describe the effects of forces in nature. Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Explore the effect of force on objects in and outside the early • Observe and discuss changes in weather and seasons using Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples childhood environment. common vocabulary. • Use nonstandard and standard scientific tools for investigation.
•D
 escribe and compare basic needs of living things. • Become familiar with technological tools that can aid in
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 how respect for living things scientific inquiry.

SOCIAL STUDIES
LEARNING STANDARD 14.A
Understand what it means to be a member of a group
and community.
Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Recognize the reasons for rules in the home and early childhood
environment and for laws in the community.
• Contribute to the well-being of one’s early childhood environment,
school, and community.
LEARNING STANDARD 14.B
Understand the structures and functions of the political systems of
Illinois, the United States, and other nations.
Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
LEARNING STANDARD 14.C
Understand ways groups make choices and decisions.
Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Participate in voting as a way of making choices.
LEARNING STANDARD 14.D
Understand the role that individuals play in a group or community.
Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Develop an awareness of what it means to be a leader.
• Participate in a variety of roles in the early childhood environment. LEARNING STANDARD 15.C LEARNING STANDARD 16.C LEARNING STANDARD 17.C
Understand that scarcity necessitates choices by producers. Understand the development of economic systems. Understand relationships between geographic factors and society.
LEARNING STANDARD 14.E
Understand United States foreign policy as it relates to other nations Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
and international issues.
LEARNING STANDARD 15.D LEARNING STANDARD 16.D LEARNING STANDARD 17.D
Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable Explore concepts about trade as an exchange of goods or services. Understand Illinois, United States, and world social history. Understand the historical significance of geography.
LEARNING STANDARD 14.F Preschool Benchmark Examples Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
Understand the development of United States’ political ideas • Begin to understand the use of trade or money to obtain goods
and traditions. and services. LEARNING STANDARD 16.E
Understand Illinois, United States, and world environmental history.
Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable LEARNING STANDARD 15.E Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
LEARNING STANDARD 18.A
Understand the impact of government policies and decisions on Explore people, their similarities, and their differences.
production and consumption in the economy. Preschool Benchmark Examples
LEARNING STANDARD 15.A Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
LEARNING STANDARD 17.A
• Recognize similarities and differences in people.
Explore roles in economic system and workforce.
Explore environments and where people live. LEARNING STANDARD 18.B
Preschool Benchmark Examples Develop an awareness of self within the context of family.
Preschool Benchmark Examples
•D
 escribe some common jobs and what is needed to perform LEARNING STANDARD 16.A • Locate objects and places in familiar environments. Preschool Benchmark Examples
those jobs. Explore his or her self and personal history.
•D
 iscuss why people work. • Express beginning geographic thinking. • Understand that each of us belongs to a family and recognize that
Preschool Benchmark Examples families vary.
LEARNING STANDARD 15.B • Recall information about the immediate past. LEARNING STANDARD 17.B
Explore issues of limited resources in the early childhood environment • Develop a basic awareness of self as an individual. Analyze and explain characteristics and interactions of the Earth’s LEARNING STANDARD 18.C
and world. physical systems. Understand how social systems form and develop over time.
LEARNING STANDARD 16.B Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
Preschool Benchmark Examples Understand the development of significant political events.
•U
 nderstand that some resources and money are limited.
Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT & HEALTH

Preschool Benchmark Examples LEARNING STANDARD 22.B LEARNING STANDARD 23.C
• Follow rules and procedures when participating in group Describe and explain the factors that influence health among Describe factors that affect growth and development.
LEARNING STANDARD 19.A LEARNING STANDARD 20.A physical activities. individuals, groups, and communities.
Demonstrate physical competency and control of large and Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness. • Follow directions, with occasional adult reminders, during Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
small muscles. group activities. Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples •P
 articipate in activities to enhance physical fitness.
LEARNING STANDARD 21.B LEARNING STANDARD 22.C
• Engage in active play using gross- and fine-motor skills. •E
 xhibit increased levels of physical activity.
Demonstrate cooperative skills during structured group Explain how the environment can affect health. LEARNING STANDARD 24.A
• Move with balance and control in a range of physical activities. Demonstrate procedures for communicating in positive ways,
LEARNING STANDARD 20.B physical activity. Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
resolving differences, and preventing conflict.
LEARNING STANDARD 19.B Assess individual fitness levels. Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples
Demonstrate awareness and coordination of body movements. Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable • Demonstrate ability to cooperate with others during group
Refer to Social/Emotional Development
Preschool Benchmark Examples physical activities. LEARNING STANDARD 23.A
• Coordinate movements to perform complex tasks. LEARNING STANDARD 20.C Describe and explain the structure and functions of the human body LEARNING STANDARD 24.B
• Demonstrate body awareness when moving in different spaces. Set goals based on fitness data and develop, implement, and monitor systems and how they interrelate. Apply decision-making skills related to the protection and promotion
an individual fitness improvement plan. of individual health.
LEARNING STANDARD 19.C LEARNING STANDARD 22.A Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable Explain the basic principles of health promotion, illness prevention, • Identify body parts and their functions. Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable
Demonstrate knowledge of rules and safety during activity.
treatment and safety.
Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples
LEARNING STANDARD 23.B LEARNING STANDARD 24.C
• Follow simple safety rules while participating in activities. Identify ways to keep the body healthy. Demonstrate skills essential to enhancing health and avoiding
LEARNING STANDARD 21.A • Identify simple practices that promote healthy living and
dangerous situations.
Demonstrate individual responsibility during group physical activities. prevent illness. Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Demonstrate personal care and hygiene skills, with adult reminders. • Identify examples of healthy habits. Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Identify healthy and nonhealthy foods and explain the effect of these • Participate in activities to learn to avoid dangerous situations.
foods on the body.

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LEARNING STANDARD 30.C LEARNING STANDARD 31.B LEARNING STANDARD 32.B
Demonstrate skills related to successful personal and school outcomes. Use communication and social skills to interact effectively with others. Apply decision-making skills to deal responsibly with daily academic
LEARNING STANDARD 30.A LEARNING STANDARD 32.A and social situations.
Identify and manage one’s emotions and behavior. Preschool Benchmark Examples Preschool Benchmark Examples Begin to consider ethical, safety, and societal factors in making decisions.
•E  xhibit eagerness and curiosity as a learner. • Interact verbally and nonverbally with other children. Preschool Benchmark Examples
Preschool Benchmark Examples • Demonstrate persistence and creativity in seeking solutions to problems. • Engage in cooperative group play. Preschool Benchmark Examples • Participate in discussions about finding alternative solutions to problems.
• Recognize and label basic emotions. • Participate in discussions about why rules exist.
• Use appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, LEARNING STANDARD 31.C • Follow rules and make good choices about behavior. LEARNING STANDARD 32.C
wants, and feelings. Demonstrate an ability to prevent, manage, and resolve interpersonal Contribute to the well-being of one’s school and community
LEARNING STANDARD 31.A conflicts in constructive ways.
LEARNING STANDARD 30.B Develop positive relationships with peers and adults.
Preschool Benchmark Examples
Recognize own uniqueness and personal qualities. Preschool Benchmark Examples • Refer to Social Studies, Standard 14.A
Preschool Benchmark Examples • Begin to share materials and experiences and take turns.
Preschool Benchmark Examples •S
 how empathy, sympathy, and caring for others. • Solve simple conflicts with peers with independence, using
• Describe self using several basic characteristics. •R
 ecognize the feelings and perspectives of others. gestures or words.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER HOME

THE ARTS LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

LEARNING STANDARD 25.A LEARNING STANDARD 26.A LEARNING STANDARD 27.A LEARNING STANDARD 28.A LEARNING STANDARD 29.A
Investigate, begin to appreciate, and participate in the arts. Understand processes, traditional tools, and modern technologies Analyze how the arts function in history, society, and everyday life. Use the home language at age-appropriate levels for a variety of social Use the home language to attain benchmarks across all the learning
Preschool Benchmark Examples used in the arts. Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable and academic purposes. areas and to build upon and develop transferable language and
• Movement and Dance: Build awareness of, explore, and participate in Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable Preschool Benchmark Examples literacy skills.
dance and creative movement activities. LEARNING STANDARD 27.B • May demonstrate progress and mastery of benchmarks through Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Drama: Begin to appreciate and participate in dramatic activities. LEARNING STANDARD 26.B Understand how the arts shape and reflect history, society, home language. • Use home cultural and linguistic knowledge to express current
Understand ways to express meaning through the arts. and everyday life. • Use home language in family, community, and early understandings and construct new concepts.
LEARNING STANDARD 25.B Preschool Benchmark Examples Preschool Benchmark Examples – Not Applicable childhood settings. • With adult support, begin to bridge home language and English to
Display an awareness of some distinct characteristics of the arts. •U
 se creative arts as an avenue for self-expression. demonstrate progress in meeting IELDS.
Preschool Benchmark Examples
• Describe or respond to their creative work or the creative work of others.