EYFS: understanding the world

Here children to make sense of the physical world and their community by finding out about people, places, technology and the environment.

The levels children are expected to have reached by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage are:

People and communities

• Children talk about past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members.
• They know that other children don't always enjoy the same opportunities as they do, and are sensitive to this.
• They know about similarities and differences between themselves and others and among families, communities and traditions.

The world

• Children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things.
• They talk about features of their immediate environment and how environments might vary from one another.
• They observe animals and plants and talk about changes and why they occur.

Technology

• Children recognise that technology is used in a range of ways, at home and school.
• They select and use technology for particular purposes.

Where relevant, use these tips for children with any impairment:

• Create areas that bring the world within reach, encouraging exploration in a familiar, safe environment.
• Keep this area uncluttered and quiet. Introduce other children (no more than three) to play at the same time.
• Use social stories before going on outings.
• Set up role play and scenarios to familiarise the child with what is going to happen and what they will see.
• Use discovery boxes to help understanding of different weathers:
• A windy day box with a kite, ribbons and bubbles.
• A rainy day box with an umbrella, wellingtons and cups to catch rain.
• A sunny day box with sunglasses, a hat and sun cream.

Find out how each disability affects children's achievement in early years and how you can help

• Autistic spectrum disorder
• Physical impairment
• Visual impairment
• Hearing impairment