Upper Kindergarten - Understanding the World

Books, art, and play are vital tools in early years settings, helping children understand the world by broadening their horizons, fostering language and communication skills, and developing social and emotional intelligence. They provide “windows” into different cultures, identities, and experiences, inspiring curiosity and empathy.

The class boards in the Upper Kindergarten classes have been sparking creativity and imagination. These activities promote collaborative communication and teamwork and, through art, help children understand their own physical development.

Reception Billington have been observing their own physical development and creating wonderful self-portraits. The pupils in Upper Kindergarten Fentiman have been exploring how varied and different “home” can be. Using the book In Every House on Every Street, they have learned that a home is defined not only by its physical structure but also by the people, stories, and love within it: “In the room we bake, but we never just bake; we sing into spoons and get covered in cake!”

Upper Kindergarten Cambridge have been considering well-being and how our desires are influenced by our circumstances through the story A Squash and a Squeeze. The story begins with an old woman complaining that her house is far too small. When she finally manages to get all the farm animals out, she is amazed at how spacious her house feels and comes to realise that it is the perfect size for her. This brilliantly funny story carries an important moral about being grateful for what we have.

What a wonderful start Upper Kindergarten has made to their year.