Resources on Early Learning
Illinois Early Learning Standards
Video & Background
The children in this clip attend a mixed-age early childhood center sponsored by a public university. The well-organized and equipped writing area at this center is set up to invite young children to work side by side. The children have access to accessories and materials that they can use to create their writing projects. These include staplers, tape, many kinds of paper, envelopes, recycled cards, and stickers. Many kinds of writing implements are available, including pens, pencils, thin and thick markers, crayons, and colored pencils. The children like to use these materials to write letters and create cards for their friends, family, and teachers.
Examples of alphabet letters are taped to the desktop so that they can be easily referenced. According to Head Teacher Barb Gallick, “There are two sets of drawers. One set has a drawer for each child. In the drawer are photos of the child and multiple copies of the child’s name. The children use these to label pictures, create lists of friends, and sign letters, stories, and drawings. We use them in project work for surveys. The other set of drawers has a drawer for each alphabet letter. We cut them from magazines, catalogs, and newspapers. They are available for whatever purpose the children choose.”
Transcript
Maddie: (After stapling a piece of paper.) This one got on too!
Teyshaun: Want me to draw you?
Maddie: Yah. I’m gonna’ do it all by myself and spell your name.
Teyshaun: (Drawing.) That’s some hair for you. (Draws some more and then points to his drawing.) There—you (looking at Maddie). What’s your own name start with?
Maddie: A, R, C, E.
Teyshaun: (Makes a mark near his drawing of Maddie.) Okay.
Maddie: You be my friend, okay? You can be my friend, if you want.
Benchmarks
| Benchmark | Benchmark Description | How Benchmark Was Met |
|---|---|---|
Language Arts |
Use scribbles, approximations of letters, or known letters to represent written language. |
Teyshaun used an approximation of a letter to represent Maddie’s name. |
Language Arts |
Use drawing and writing skills to convey meaning and information. |
Teyshaun drew Maddie and wrote her name. |
Social/Emotional Development |
Use appropriate communication skills when expressing needs, wants and feelings. |
Maddie asked Teyshaun if he wanted to be her friend. |
Social/Emotional Development |
Shows empathy and caring for others. |
Teyshaun asked Maddie if she would like him to draw her picture. |
Social/Emotional Development |
Develop relationships with children and adults. |
Teyshaun asked Maddie if she would like him to draw her picture. Maddie asked Teyshaun if he would like to be her friend. |
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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