Resources on Early Learning

Illinois Early Learning Standards

Click on the underlined Benchmark below each Learning Standard to find activities or background information related to helping children reach the Benchmark.

STATE GOAL 1:
Read with understanding and fluency.

Learning Standard A:
Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.

Benchmarks

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.

Learning Standard B:
Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.

Benchmarks

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.

Learning Standard C:
Comprehend a broad range of reading materials.

Benchmarks

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.

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.ECUnderstand 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.ECShow 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.ECUse 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.ECDictate stories and experiences.

Learning Standard C:
Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes.

Benchmark

3.C.ECUse 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.ECListen with understanding and respond to directions and conversations.

Learning Standard B:
Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience.

Benchmark

4.B.ECCommunicate 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.ECSeek answers to questions through active exploration.

Learning Standard B:
Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources.

Benchmark

5.B.ECRelate prior knowledge to new information.

Learning Standard C:
Apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats.

Benchmark

5.C.ECCommunicate information with others.