Knowledge and understanding of the world is one of the six areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It helps children to explore and investigate creatures, people, places and objects.
What does 'knowledge and understanding of the world' mean?
This area concentrates on:
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Exploration and investigation
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Designing and making
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ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
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Time
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Place
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Communities
The Early Years Foundations Stage says:
"Children must be supported in developing the knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. Their learning must be supported through offering opportunities for them to use a range of tools safely; encounter creatures, people, plants and objects in their natural environments and in real-life situations; undertake practical 'experiments'; and work with a range of materials.
Babies and children find out about the world through exploration and from a variety of sources and need regular opportunities to learn about different ways of life."
But what does this mean if your child has a sight problem?
This is an area where children will need to use parents' knowledge to extend their experiences of the world when there is a loss of informal or unplanned learning as a result of a sight problem.
They will need to be given accurate information and supported to be aware of and explore the world around them so that they can start to make sense of it.
How you can help your child develop their knowledge and understanding of the world
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Create a stimulating environment that offers a range of activities which will encourage children's interest and curiosity, both indoors and outdoors, with lots of things to push, pull, twist and turn.
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Present a wide range of experiences and activities that your child can respond to by using many of their senses, such as smelling and rolling in newly mown grass. See using touch and movement to help your child learn.
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Use the correct names for plants and animals etc.
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Ask carefully framed open ended questions, such as 'what would happen if…?'
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Teach skills and knowledge in the context of practical activities, for example learning about liquids and solids by involving your child in melting chocolate or cooking eggs.
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Some changes, similarities and differences, such as watching a plant grow, may need to be explained verbally when they cannot be seen.
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Support your child in using a range of ICT, such as tape recorders, CD players, as technology to support independent learning will be important as they get older.
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Give your child access to tools and materials, with individual instruction, to help develop confidence and finger skills and strength.
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Make a Treasure Basket or a sensory box.
If you would like more help, get in touch with your local authority service for visual impairment for more advice. You can get their contact details from RNIB's Helpline on 0845 766 9999.