Understanding the World

“Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains. Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension” EYFS Statutory Framework, 2021

INTENT: To offer the children a breadth of experience, linked to the community within which we live, to deepen their understanding of the natural world, their families and communities.

IMPLEMENTATION: Children will be exposed to the rhythms of the year, through the enhanced provision within the environment, opportunities outside and through adult-led activities. During their Reception year, children will continue to build upon their existing knowledge of rhythms of the year and have daily opportunities to explore the natural world outside, following their own interests. Children will learn about different beliefs and talk about current events impacting the wider community.

IMPACT: Nursery will develop a respect and deeper knowledge of their local environment, the links with their family and an understanding of special events that happen nationally/worldwide. We will monitor the impact to ensure children are ‘on track’ in the developmental age band 3 -4 years.  

Children in Reception will be able to make links between new learning/observations and their own experiences, talking knowledgably about topics of their interest.