Common Planner
K–12 Standards

Approaches to Play and Learning: Preschool

Other Indiana Early Learning Standards sets

Initiative and Exploration

  • 1

    Demonstrate initiative and self-direction APL1.1

    1.  

      Younger Preschool 

      1. a

        Initiate new tasks by selfAPL1.1.y.a

      2. b

        With support, use a variety of resources to explore materials and ideasAPL1.1.y.b

      3. c

        Explore and manipulate familiar objects in new and imaginative waysAPL1.1.y.c

    2.  

      Older Preschool

      1. a

        Take initiative to learn new concepts and try new experiencesAPL1.1.o.a

      2. b

        Seek and gather new information to plan for projects and activitiesAPL1.1.o.b

  • 2

    Demonstrate interest and curiosity as a learnerAPL1.2

    1.  

      Younger and Older Preschool

      1. a

        Demonstrate eagerness to learn about and discuss new topics, ideas, and tasksAPL1.2.yo.a

      2. b

        Communicate a desire to learn new concepts or ideasAPL1.2.yo.b

      3. c

        Exhibit willingness to try new experiences APL1.2.yo.c

      4. d

        Use a variety of learning approaches, such as observing, imitating, asking questions, handson investigation, and active explorationAPL1.2.yo.d

Flexible Thinking

  • 1

    Demonstrate development of flexible thinking skills during playAPL2.1

    1.  

      Younger Preschool 

      1. a

        Find a creative or innovative way of doing a familiar task or solving a problem with adult guidanceAPL2.1.y.a

      2. b

        Begin to demonstrate flexibility in approach to play and learningAPL2.1.y.b

      3. c

        Adjust approach to task to resolve difficulties with adult supportAPL2.1.y.c

    2.  

      Older Preschool

      1. a

        Demonstrate analysis, innovation, imagination, and creativity to solve a problem APL2.1.o.a

      2. b

        Develop recovery skills from setbacks and differences in opinion in a group settingAPL2.1.o.b

 Attentiveness and Persistence 

  • 1

    Demonstrate development of sustained attention and persistenceAPL3.1

    1.  

      Younger and Older Preschool

      1. a

        Independently attend to a book from beginning to endAPL3.1.yo.a

    2.  

      Younger Preschool

      1. a

        Demonstrate ability to delay gratification for short periods of time APL3.1.y.a

      2. b

        Follow through on an activity to completionAPL3.1.y.b

    3.  

      Older Preschool

      1. a

        Focus on activity with deliberate concentration despite distractions and/or temptationsAPL3.1.o.a

      2. b

        Carry out tasks, activities, projects, or transitions, even when frustrated or challenged, with minimal distressAPL3.1.o.b

      3. c

        Persist in trying to complete a task after previous attempts have failed APL3.1.o.c

Social Interactions

  • 1

    Demonstrate development of social interactions during playAPL4.1

    1.  

      Younger Preschool

      1. a

        Engage in associative playAPL4.1.y.a

      2. b

        Participate in cooperative play activities with some adult guidanceAPL4.1.y.b

      3. c

        Participate in play activities with a small group of childrenAPL4.1.y.c

    2.  

      Older Preschool

      1. a

        Interact with peers in complex pretend play, including planning, coordination of roles, and cooperationAPL4.1.o.a

      2. b

        Demonstrate cooperative behavior, such as turn-taking, in interactions with othersAPL4.1.o.b

      3. c

        Begin to accept and share leadershipAPL4.1.o.c

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
PRE-K
Where can I read the official document?
Indiana Early Learning Standards

Keep exploring

Keep exploring Early Learning Standards standards

Sibling grade bands, other subjects in this jurisdiction, and the same subject across other states.

Early Learning Standards in other jurisdictions

Early Learning Standards