Understanding the world we live in has never been more crucial. The next generation must be equipped to face challenges affecting the environment, society and technology. However, Understanding the World (UW) is one of the most neglected areas of the EYFS, according to Laura Hoyland, chief executive of Hopscotch Early Years Consultancy.
‘When early years settings look at the specific areas of learning, maths and literacy tend to be the ones they focus on, and Understanding the World tends to be right at the bottom of the pile,’ she says.
UW involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore people, places, technology and the environment. There are links to all of the other areas of learning: finding out about new things can widen a child’s vocabulary and communication skills, for example.
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