"Understanding the World" is a learning area in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum that helps children make sense of the world around them. 

It's important because it helps children: 

• Develop a curiosity for learning

  Children are naturally curious and use their senses to explore and discover the world. 

• Understand the world around them

  Children learn about the physical world, their community, and the past through their experiences and interactions with others. 

• Understand diversity

  Children learn about the diversity of people, cultures, technology, and the environment. 

• Develop a sense of time

  Children learn about schedules and routines to understand what's going to happen next. 

• Develop an understanding of themselves

  Children learn about who they are as a child and within their family. 

• Develop a rich vocabulary

  Children learn words that support understanding across domains, which helps with reading comprehension. 
   

Some activities that can help children understand the world include: 
 

• Visiting parks, libraries, and museums 
• Meeting important members of society 
• Listening to a variety of stories, non-fiction, rhymes, and poems 
• Gardening 
• Using tools to explore paths and flowerbeds 
• Placing shiny objects on a platter to investigate reflections