Science in the Early Years Framework

Understanding the World

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increase 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. In addition to 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.

Early Learning Goal: The Natural World

Children at the expected level of development will:

• Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants; 
• Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class;
• Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Early Learning Goal: Managing Self

Children at the expected level of development will:

• Manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs, including dressing, going to the toilet and understanding the importance of healthy food choices.

Communication and Language

Early Learning Goal: Listening Attention and Understanding

Children at the expected level of development will:

• Make comments about what they have heard and ask questions to clarify their understanding.