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 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.ECRecognize the reasons for rules.

Learning Standard C:
Understand election processes and responsibilities of citizens.

Benchmark

14.C.ECParticipate 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.ECDevelop 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.ECIdentify community workers and the services they provide.

Learning Standard D:
Understand trade as an exchange of goods and services.

Benchmark

15.D.ECBegin 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.ECRecall 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.

Benchmarks17.A.ECaLocate objects and places in familiar environments.

17.A.ECbExpress 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.ECRecognize similarities and differences in people.

Learning Standard B:
Understand the roles and interactions of individuals and groups in society.

Benchmark

18.B.ECUnderstand that each of us belongs to a family and recognize that families vary.