At Howletch, we ensure that our children can begin to understand the complexities of people’s lives through changes in time. We strive to create a good understanding of the diversities of societies and how the relationships between different groups have also changed throughout History. Through a cross curriculum, and historical topic assemblies’ children are given the opportunity to frequently think about their identity and how we can be grateful we can be for the impact significant figures have had on the world we currently live in.
History Education in the Early Years:
History is encompassed in the EYFS through ‘Understanding of the world’. At Howletch Primary School, Children begin and continue to develop and understanding of History through Topic based learning. In addition we encourage children to reflect on their own special events and express their own past experiences through imaginative play.
Children have a leaning environment enriched with topic based historical objects to enhance children’s senses and curiosity, and to incorporate into their imaginative play. Furthermore, the children have both fictional and non-fictional prints and texts in their surrounding environment which they can explore and vote for, for their daily Whole Class Read.
In Early Years Children begin each year with the child centred topics ‘Marvellous Me’. This subject help children to develop an understanding of their own identity, similarities and differences in both appearance and cultural routines. Furthermore, SMSC at HOWLETCH allows children to discuss with each other their feelings and understanding of the world through their own experience.
In addition, the Characteristics of Effective Learning within the EYFS, encourages children to explore their world around them. By engaging with objects and environments that they see, teachers encourage children to explore, question and develop curiosity about the history and significance surrounding them. These skills are fundamental in the development of our historians.
