Sequence of learning - Celebrations - EYFS

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), children are introduced to the concept of celebrations through the 'Understanding of the World: Communities' topic. Reception-aged children explore the diverse ways in which people celebrate special occasions, acknowledging that different beliefs lead to different traditions. The learning sequence encourages children to recognise that individuals and communities have unique celebrations and to respect these differences. Educators are tasked with creating opportunities for children to interact with various religious and cultural practices, particularly during pertinent times of the year, to help them build a comprehensive vocabulary related to celebrations.

Key terms such as 'birthday', 'Christmas', 'Eid', 'Muslim', 'Christian', and 'Sikh' are introduced to help children describe their own experiences and those of others. The proposed learning sequence aims to achieve the Early Learning Goal where children can describe their immediate environment, understand the similarities and differences between various communities, and explain how life in the UK may differ from other countries. Through stories, non-fiction texts, and maps, children learn to appreciate the diversity of celebrations. They are encouraged to understand that while everyone has special days like birthdays, the ways in which these are celebrated can vary widely. Children are also prompted to listen to others describe their special places and beliefs, fostering a sense of curiosity and respect for different cultural perspectives.