Resources on Early Learning
Illinois Early Learning Standards
Video & Background
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Children in this mixed-age early childhood center are taking part in open snack. The snack bar is open for about 45 minutes. Children prepare their snack at the snack bar (a table) and then carry it to a designated snack table to eat it. Pitchers of drinks, cups, napkins, and utensils are available at the snack table. Sometimes there are bowls of additional food set out on the snack table with a rebus instruction card. The children in this clip discuss the rebus instructions about the number of crackers to take. After Clare demonstrates counting out four crackers, others follow suit.
Snack time can be a wonderful time for conversation. In this case, it is also a great opportunity for math and literacy experiences.
Transcript
Travis (4.4 years old): Do you have 5? You get 4 (standing and pointing to cue card). Do you get 4?
Clare (4.11 years old): I know how to count to four—1, 2, 3, 4 (transfers a cracker from the serving bowl to her napkin for each number she says).
(Justin, 3.7 years old, takes 4 crackers from the serving bowl and lines them up to the right of his bowl as Clare counts.)
Travis: (To Clare.) Hey, you took it! (Slides the bowl back toward his place and begins to count out crackers.)
Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Benchmark Description | How Benchmark Was Met |
|---|---|---|
Language Arts |
Understand that pictures and symbols have meaning and that print carries a message. |
The children use the rebus card to determine how many crackers they may take. |
Language Arts |
Identify labels and signs in the environment. |
The children knew that the rebus symbols stood for crackers. |
Mathematics |
Explore quantity and number. |
Children discussed and counted crackers. |
Mathematics |
Connect numbers to quantities they represent using physical models and representations. |
Children used crackers to count with one-to-one correspondence. |
Mathematics |
Begin to order objects in series or rows. |
Justin and Clare organized their crackers in rows. |
Social/Emotional Development |
Show some initiative and independence in actions. |
Children independently prepared their snack and came to the snack table. Claire volunteered to demonstrate counting. |
This video clip was made possible by STARnet Regions I & III with funding from the Illinois State Board of Education.
An Illinois Early Learning link to a Web site does not imply an endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project or the Illinois State Board of Education of any product, resource, or service on that Web site.
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