Resources on Early Learning
Illinois Early Learning Standards
Benchmark Index
Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
- Physical Development and Health
- Fine Arts
- Foreign Languages
- Social/Emotional Development
Language Arts
1.A.ECaUnderstand that pictures and symbols have meaning and that print carries a message.
1.A.ECbUnderstand that reading progresses from left to right and top to bottom.
1.A.ECcIdentify labels and signs in the environment.
1.A.ECdIdentify some letters, including those in own name.
1.A.ECeMake some letter-sound matches.
1.B.ECaPredict what will happen next using pictures and content for guides.
1.B.ECbBegin to develop phonological awareness by participating in rhyming activities.
1.B.ECcRecognize separable and repeating sounds in spoken language.
1.C.ECaRetell information from a story.
1.C.ECbRespond to simple questions about reading material.
1.C.ECcDemonstrate understanding of literal meaning of stories by making comments.
2.A.ECUnderstand that different text forms, such as magazines, notes, lists, letters, and story books, are used for different purposes.
2.B.ECShow independent interest in reading-related activities.
3.A.ECUse scribbles, approximations of letters, or known letters to represent written language.
3.B.ECDictate stories and experiences.
3.C.ECUse drawing and writing skills to convey meaning and information.
4.A.ECListen with understanding and respond to directions and conversations.
4.B.ECCommunicate needs, ideas and thoughts.
5.A.ECSeek answers to questions through active exploration.
5.B.ECRelate prior knowledge to new information.
5.C.ECCommunicate information with others.
Mathematics
6.A.ECaUse concepts that include number recognition, counting and one-to-one correspondence.
6.A.ECbCount with understanding and recognize "how many" in sets of objects.
6.B.ECSolve simple mathematical problems.
6.C.ECaExplore quantity and number.
6.C.ECbConnect numbers to quantities they represent using physical models and representations.
6.D.ECMake comparisons of quantities.
7.A.ECaDemonstrate a beginning understanding of measurement using non-standard units and measurement words.
7.A.ECbConstruct a sense of time through participation in daily activities.
7.B.ECShow understanding of and use comparative words.
7.C.ECIncorporate estimating and measuring activities into play.
8.A.ECSort and classify objects by a variety of properties.
8.B.ECaRecognize, duplicate and extend simple patterns, such as sequences of sounds, shapes and colors.
8.B.ECbBegin to order objects in series or rows.
8.C.ECParticipate in situations that involve addition and subtraction using manipulatives.
8.D.ECDescribe qualitative change, such as measuring to see who is growing taller.
9.A.ECRecognize geometric shapes and structures in the environment.
9.B.ECFind and name locations with simple words, such as “near”.
10.A.ECaRepresent data using concrete objects, pictures, and graphs.
10.A.ECbMake predictions about what will happen next.
10.B.ECGather data about themselves and their surroundings.
Science
11.A.ECaUse senses to explore and observe materials and natural phenomena.
11.A.ECbCollect, describe and record information.
11.B.ECaUse scientific tools such as thermometers, balance scales and magnifying glasses for investigation.
11.B.ECbBecome familiar with the use of devices incorporating technology.
12.A.ECaInvestigate and categorize living things in the environment.
12.A.ECbShow an awareness of changes that occur in themselves and their environment.
12.B.ECDescribe and compare basic needs of living things.
12.C.ECMake comparisons among objects that have been observed.
12.D.ECDescribe the effects of forces in nature (e.g. wind, gravity and magnetism).
12.E.ECaUse common weather-related vocabulary (e.g. rainy, snowy, sunny, windy).
12.E.ECbParticipate in recycling in their environment.
12.F.ECIdentify basic concepts associated with night/day and seasons.
13.A.ECBegin to understand basic safety practices.
13.B.ECaExpress wonder and ask questions about their world.
13.B.ECbBegin to be aware of technology and how it affects their lives.
Social Science
14.A.ECRecognize the reasons for rules.
14.C.ECParticipate in voting as a way of making choices.
14.D.ECDevelop an awareness of roles of leaders in their environment.
15.A.ECIdentify community workers and the services they provide.
15.D.ECBegin to understand the use of trade to obtain goods and services.
16.A.ECRecall information about the immediate past.
17.A.ECaLocate objects and places in familiar environments.
17.A.ECbExpress beginning geographic thinking.
18.A.ECRecognize similarities and differences in people.
18.B.ECUnderstand that each of us belongs to a family and recognize that families vary.
Physical Development and Health
19.A.ECaEngage in active play using gross motor skills.
19.A.ECbEngage in active play using fine motor skills.
19.B.ECCoordinate movements to perform complex tasks.
19.C.ECFollow simple safety rules while participating in activities.
20.A.ECParticipate in developmental activities related to physical fitness.
20.B.ECExhibit increased endurance.
21.A.ECFollow rules and procedures when participating in group physical activities.
21.B.ECDemonstrate ability to cooperate with others during group physical activities.
22.A.ECParticipate in simple practices that promote healthy living and prevent illness.
23.A.ECIdentify body parts and their functions.
23.B.ECAct independently in caring for personal hygiene needs.
24.A.ECaUse appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, wants and feelings.
24.A.ECbUse socially acceptable ways to resolve conflict.
24.C.ECParticipate in activities to learn to avoid dangerous situations.
Fine Arts
25.A.ECaDance: Investigate the elements of dance.
25.A.ECbDrama: Investigate the elements of drama.
25.A.ECcMusic: Investigate the elements of music.
25.A.ECdVisual Arts: Investigate the elements of visual arts.
25.B.ECDescribe or respond to their own creative work or the creative work of others.
26.A.ECaDance: Participate in dance activities.
26.A.ECbDrama: Participate in drama activities.
26.A.ECcMusic: Participate in music activities.
26.A.ECdVisual Arts: Participate in the visual arts.
26.B.ECUse creative arts as an avenue for self-expression.
Foreign Language
28.A.ECMaintain the native language for use in a variety of purposes.
30.A.ECUse and maintain the native language in order to build upon and develop transferable language and literacy skills.
Social/Emotional Development
31.A.ECaDescribe self by using several basic characteristics.
31.A.ECbExhibit eagerness and curiosity as a learner.
31.A.ECcExhibit persistence and creativity in seeking solutions to problems.
31.A.ECdShow some initiative and independence in actions.
31.A.ECeUse appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, wants and feelings.
32.A.ECaBegin to understand and follow rules.
32.A.ECbManage transitions and begin to adapt to change in routines.
32.A.ECcShow empathy and caring for others.
32.A.ECdUse the classroom environment purposefully and respectfully.
32.B.ECaEngage in cooperative group play.
32.B.ECbBegin to share materials and experiences and take turns.
32.B.ECcRespect the rights of self and others.
32.B.ECdDevelop relationships with children and adults.
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