Although formal geography is not taught as a discrete subject in EYFS, Kapow Primary’s geography materials introduce foundational concepts that connect seamlessly with the KS1 and KS2 geography curriculum. This ensures a unified and progressive approach from EYFS through to Year 6.

For the EYFS, the activities allow our Year R pupils to work towards the Understanding the World Development Matters statements and Early Learning Goals, while also covering foundational knowledge that will support them in their further geography learning in key stage 1. The children are introduced to the concept of geography by exploring, discovering and beginning to make sense of the world around them. They engage in activities to reflect on the events that they experience; to question and investigate the similarities and differences that exist; and to discuss why things happen the way they do in both the physical and human world.

Early Learning Goals 

Understanding the World: People, Culture and Communities

Children at the expected level of development will: 

• Describe their immediate environment using knowledge from observation, discussion, stories, non-fiction texts, and maps;
• Explain some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries, drawing on knowledge from stories, non-fiction texts and – when appropriate – maps.

Understanding the World: The Natural World

Children at the expected level of development will: 

• Explore the natural world around them, making observations and drawing pictures of animals and plants;
• Know some similarities and differences between the natural world around them and contrasting environments, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class;
• Understand some important processes and changes in the natural world around them, including the seasons and changing states of matter.

Development Matters statements

Children in reception will be learning to:

• Explore the natural world around them.
• Describe what they see, hear and feel whilst outside.
• Understand that some place
• Recognise some environments that are different from the one in which they live.
• Draw information from a simple map. 
• Recognise some similarities and differences between life in this country and life in other countries.
• Understand the effect of changing seasons on the natural world around them.

Year R Development Matters statements - Understanding the World. 

There are two EYFS units focused on each of the geography-related Development Matters statements. These units consist of a mixture of adult-led and child-initiated activities which are selected by the teacher to fit in with different themes or topics.