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

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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

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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.