ABSTRACT
With advances in accessibility to technology and media, Early Years children are closer to the international world than ever before. This chapter explores the impact this has on what children should arguably be learning in school, and looks at four key areas of focus for the Early Years classroom: Universal values, tolerance and appreciation of diversity; Linguistic awareness and capability; Digital literacy; and Resilience, creativity and adaptability. It challenges teachers and policy-makers to think differently about how learning and teaching programmes are organised in Early Childhood Education, and concludes that a robust child-centred education, coupled with space and time for international influence, must be the basis for moving forward within a new curriculum framework that covers from birth to 7 years. This means that teachers will be required to upskill accordingly in international understanding, language, and digital skills.
