Through Understanding the World, children develop knowledge of people, places, communities and the wider world. Learning is supported through exploration, discussion, high-quality texts, visits and experiences within the local community.

Early Learning Goals

Past and Present Children will:

• Talk about people’s lives and roles in society.
• Identify similarities and differences between the past and present.
• Develop an understanding of the past through stories and discussions.

People, Culture and Communities Children will:

• Describe their immediate environment.
• Recognise similarities and differences between religious and cultural communities.
• Compare life in the UK with life in other countries.

The Natural World Children will:

• Explore and observe the natural world.
• Compare different environments.
• Understand seasonal changes and weather.

Developing Historical Understanding

Children begin to develop an awareness of the past by exploring their own lives and experiences.

They will:

• Compare photographs of themselves as babies with themselves now.
• Learn about family members and how people change over time.
• Use simple chronological vocabulary, such as yesterday, today, tomorrow; before, after; now, then; a long time ago.
• Listen to stories set in the past and discuss differences from today.
• Compare aspects of everyday life, including homes, transport, toys and services.
• Learn about significant people from the past.
• Ask questions and identify similarities and differences over time.

Developing Geographical Understanding

Children develop an understanding of their local environment and begin to explore the wider world.

They will:

• Explore their classroom, school and local area.
• Use simple maps, photographs and aerial images.
• Learn about important places and people in their community.
• Observe seasonal and weather changes.
• Explore natural environments through outdoor learning.
• Compare their local area with places in the UK and around the world.
• Learn about different countries, cultures and celebrations.
• Develop geographical vocabulary such as near, far, map, journey, river, country, city, weather and environment.

Characteristics of Effective Learning

Children are encouraged to:

• Explore and investigate through first-hand experiences.
• Ask questions and share ideas.
• Make links between their own experiences and new learning.
• Develop curiosity about the world around them.
• Use new vocabulary confidently in discussion, role play and storytelling.

Through carefully planned experiences and meaningful interactions, children build the knowledge, vocabulary and understanding needed for future learning in History and Geography at Key Stage 1.