Understanding the world
Understanding the world is one of the four specific areas. Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community.
Personal experiences
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. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage
Learn more about personal experiences.
Diverse world
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. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage
Learn more about diverse world.
Widening vocabulary
Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage
Learn more about widening vocabulary.
Resources
Birth to 5 Matters resources for understanding the world.
Development Matters guidance for understanding the world.