Sequence of learning - History within the family - EYFS

In the nursery stage of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), young children aged 3 and 4 are introduced to the concept of history by exploring their own family narratives and the passage of time. The unit "Are our grandparents really old?" encourages children to begin making sense of their own life story and family history. Through engaging activities, they learn to recognise the concept of age and the continuity between past and present. Educators support this learning by discussing photos and memories with the children, encouraging them to retell stories shared by their parents about their lives and family history.

The proposed learning sequence includes introducing key vocabulary such as 'very old', 'before', 'long ago', 'older', 'younger', and 'adult' to help children articulate their understanding of time. Children are encouraged to look at photographs of family members at different ages and to observe changes over time, such as differences in clothing. They can also listen to stories from grandparents or great-grandparents about the toys they played with in their youth, providing a tangible link to the past. Through these activities, children develop an awareness of their own growth and abilities, understanding that they can do more now than when they were babies, and they learn to identify who is older or younger within their family. This immersive experience helps lay the foundation for historical understanding by connecting personal experiences with broader concepts of time and age.