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.
Reception – Understanding the World
Understanding the World - Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2023
The Natural World – Early Learning Goals
Children at the expected level of development will:
– Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing
pictures of animals and plants;
– Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around
them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what
has been read in class;
– Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world
around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.
