Section 235.APPENDIX A   Illinois Early Learning Standards

 

The Illinois Early Learning Standards for 3- and 4-year-olds are broad statements that provide teachers and caregivers useful information that is directly needed as part of their daily classroom work.  The standards are organized to parallel content in the Illinois State Goals for Learning (see 23 Ill. Adm. Code 1.Appendix D).

 

Language Arts

 

Standards:

 

Understand that pictures and symbols have meaning and that print carries a message.

 

Understand that reading progresses from left to right and top to bottom.

 

Identify labels and signs in the environment.

 

Identify some letters, including those in own name.

 

Make some letter-sound matches.

 

Predict what will happen next using pictures and content for guides.

 

Begin to develop phonological awareness by participating in rhyming activities.

 

Recognize separable and repeating sounds in spoken language.

 

Retell information from a story.

 

Respond to simple questions about reading material.

 

Demonstrate understanding of literal meaning of stories by making comments.

 

Understand that different text forms, such as magazines, notes, lists, letters, and story books, are used for different purposes.

 

Show independent interest in reading-related activities.

 

Use scribbles, approximations of letters, or known letters to represent written language.

 

Dictate stories and experiences.

 

Use drawing and writing skills to convey meaning and information.

 

Listen with understanding and respond to directions and conversations.

 

Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.

 

Communicate needs, ideas and thoughts.

 

Seek answers to questions through active exploration.

 

Relate prior knowledge to new information.

 

Communicate information with others.

 

Mathematics

 

Standards:

 

Use concepts that include number recognition, counting and one-to-one correspondence.

 

Count with understanding and recognize "how many" in sets of objects.

 

Solve simple mathematical problems.

 

Explore quantity and number.

 

Connect numbers to quantities they represent using physical models and representations.

 

Make comparisons of quantities.

 

Demonstrate a beginning understanding of measurement using non-standard units and measurement words.

 

Construct a sense of time through participation in daily activities.

 

Show understanding of and use comparative words.

 

Incorporate estimating and measuring activities into play.

 

Sort and classify objects by a variety of properties.

 

Recognize, duplicate and extend simple patterns, such as sequences of sounds, shapes and colors.

 

Begin to order objects in series or rows.

 

Participate in situations that involve addition and subtraction using manipulatives.

 

Describe qualitative change, such as measuring to see who is growing taller.

 

Recognize geometric shapes and structures in the environment.

 

Find and name locations with simple words, such as "near".

 

Represent data using concrete objects, pictures, and graphs.

 

Gather data about themselves and their surroundings.

 

Science

 

Standards:

 

Use senses to explore and observe materials and natural phenomena.

 

Collect, describe and record information.

 

Use scientific tools such as thermometers, balance scales and magnifying glasses for investigation.

 

Become familiar with the use of devices incorporating technology.

 

Investigate and categorize living things in the environment.

 

Show an awareness of changes that occur in themselves and their environment.

 

Describe and compare basic needs of living things.

 

Make comparisons among objects that have been observed.

 

Describe the effects of forces in nature (e.g., wind, gravity and magnetism).

 

Use common weather-related vocabulary (e.g., rainy, snowy, sunny, windy).

 

Identify basic concepts associated with night/day and seasons.

 

Begin to understand basic safety practices.

 

Express wonder and ask questions about their world.

 

Begin to be aware of technology and how it affects their lives.

 

Social Science

 

Standards:

 

Recognize the reasons for rules.

 

Participate in voting as a way of making choices.

 

Develop an awareness of roles of leaders in their environment.

 

Identify community workers and the services they provide.

 

Begin to understand the use of trade to obtain goods and services.

 

Recall information about the immediate past.

 

Locate objects and places in familiar environments.

 

Express beginning geographic thinking.

 

Recognize similarities and differences in people.

 

Understand that each of us belongs to a family and recognize that families vary.

 

Physical Development and Health

 

Standards:

 

Engage in active play using gross motor skills.

 

Engage in active play using fine motor skills.

 

Coordinate movements to perform complex tasks.

 

Follow simple safety rules while participating in activities.

 

Participate in developmental activities related to physical fitness.

 

Exhibit increased endurance.

 

Follow rules and procedures when participating in group physical activities.

 

Demonstrate ability to cooperate with others during group physical activities.

 

Participate in simple practices that promote healthy living and prevent illness.

 

Identify body parts and their functions.

 

Act independently in caring for personal hygiene needs.

 

Use appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, wants and feelings.

 

Use socially acceptable ways to resolve conflict.

 

Participate in activities to learn to avoid dangerous situations.

 

Fine Arts

 

Standards:

 

Investigate the elements of dance, drama, music and the visual arts.

 

Describe or respond to their own creative work or the creative work of others.

 

Participate in dance, drama, music and visual arts activities.

 

Use creative arts as an avenue for self-expression.

 

Foreign Languages

 

Standards:

 

Maintain the native language for use in a variety of purposes.

 

Use and maintain the native language in order to build upon and develop transferable language and literacy skills.

 

Social/Emotional Development

 

Standards:

 

Describe self by using several basic characteristics.

 

Exhibit eagerness and curiosity as a learner.

 

Exhibit persistence and creativity in seeking solutions to problems.

 

Show some initiative and independence in actions.

 

Use appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, wants and feelings.

 

Begin to understand and follow rules.

 

Manage transitions and begin to adapt to change in routines.

 

Show empathy and caring for others.

 

Use the classroom environment purposefully and respectfully.

 

Engage in cooperative group play.

 

Begin to share materials and experiences and take turns.

 

Respect the rights of self and others.

 

Develop relationships with children and adults.