Past & Present in EYFS: Their Lives, Their Memories, Their First Encounters with History

Long before children encounter History as a curriculum subject, they are already beginning to remember, sequence, compare, question, notice change and make connections. Past & Present in EYFS takes a closer look at this often-overlooked area of Understanding the World and explores how the foundations of historical thinking can grow naturally through rich Reception practice. Grounded in the EYFS Framework, Development Matters and research, this professional learning resource explores how children’s own lives can provide an anchor point for understanding the past… before their thinking ripples outwards towards family, community, other lives and the wider world. Inside you’ll explore: What Past and Present really means within the EYFS The early foundations of historical thinking How children develop an understanding of time, sequence, continuity and change The importance of memory, story and play How photographs, objects, stories and people’s memories can introduce evidence and enquiry Why “How do we know?” is such an important question The vocabulary and talk that support children’s thinking The role of the adult in noticing, questioning and extending Practical examples for bringing Past and Present to life through everyday Reception experiences and provision Rather than bringing the KS1 History curriculum down into Reception, the resource looks at the rich foundations that can be laid before formal history teaching begins. Start with what children know. Build connections. Open the door to the wider past. Ideal for EYFS teachers, Early Years leaders, teaching assistants, trainees, staff meetings and professional development.