Understanding the World
-
Explores Different Cultures and Communities
Our stories celebrate different festivals and traditions from around the world. -
Introduces Natural World Concepts
Our sensory play often links to weather, seasons, animals, and habitats. -
Encourages Observational Skills
Children notice changes, make predictions, and share their ideas through interactive activities.
​
Six things you can do at home to support your child’s Understanding the World:
Nature Activities:
1. Nature Walks
Collect leaves, stones, or flowers and talk about what you find.
Why it helps: Builds observation and enquiry skills.
​
2. Weather Diaries
Record the weather each day with simple drawings or stickers.
Why it helps: Introduces scientific thinking.
​
People and Communities:
3. Look at Family Photos
Talk about different family members, events, or places visited.
Why it helps: Builds a sense of past and present.
​
4. Explore Different Foods
Try foods from different cultures and talk about where they come from.
Why it helps: Encourages curiosity about the world.
​
Technology Play:
5. Explore Simple Technology
Use torches, kitchen timers, or old keyboards in play.
Why it helps: Builds early understanding of how everyday technology works.
​
6. Create Maps or Routes
Draw simple maps of places like your garden or local park.
Why it helps: Builds early geographical skills.
What is Understanding the World?
​
Understanding the World is about encouraging children's curiosity about their environment, people, technology, and the natural world.
​
The area is broken down into three main components:
​
Past and Present – Learning about themselves, family traditions, and simple historical concepts.
​
People, Culture and Communities – Understanding similarities and differences between people, families, and communities.
​
The Natural World – Exploring plants, animals, the weather, and physical environments.
​
How is Understanding the World supported in Story Sense?
We weave real-world experiences into storytelling to spark children’s natural curiosity.