ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines what is known about children's historical and geographical knowledge and understanding of the world, and what teachers can do to support and extend their learning in this area. It offers a review of educational theory that helps us understand what historical and geographical knowledge is, and the core ideas that teachers should be looking to help children learn. The process of doing and learning about history and geography involves exploration, investigation, or problem-solving. The chapter focuses on the practicalities of what teachers can do, presented as a series of case studies. These cases reflect what young children are capable of when they are supported by thoughtful and imaginative teachers in their Early Years. A distinct vocabulary accompanies historical skills, knowledge, and understanding: age, era, period, time, century, decade, ancient, modern. The chapter shows some key points that are important to recognise and remember when planning for activities in Early Years classrooms.
