Understanding the World

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.

At Woodcroft Understanding the World is about:

• Fostering curiosity and embracing children's awe and wonder at the world
• Children developing an understand and respect for different cultures and beliefs
• Developing a positive relationship with members of our community
• Developing an understanding of peoples jobs and local services
• Developing an understanding of planning, designing and building
• Noticing, looking carefully and talking about the natural world
• Developing care and concern for living things and the environment
• Learning about and using technology