Comparing Places and Communities
To develop understanding of similarities and differences between communities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Understanding the World
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Describes own community and local area
- Notices differences between places
- Shows respect for how others live
- Makes comparisons between communities
Materials
- Photos and videos of different places worldwide
- Artefacts from other communities
- Stories set in different countries
- Globes and world maps
Instructions
Introduce diverse communities through high-quality books and authentic resources. 'This story is set in Kenya. Let's find Kenya on the globe!' Avoid stereotypical or tourist-style images.
Focus on everyday life in other places. 'Children in Japan go to school too. They wear uniforms and have lunch at school. How is that the same as here? How is it different?'
Make comparisons meaningful: 'In cold places like Norway, houses have steep roofs. Why do you think that is? What are roofs like here?' Help children reason about why differences exist.
Celebrate connections to children's families. 'Amir's family is from Pakistan. He's going to show us photos of his grandmother's house there!' Value children's international connections.
Discuss similarities as well as differences. 'All around the world, families love their children, people need food and homes, children play and learn.' Help children see our common humanity.
Explore how places are connected. 'This chocolate came from a cocoa plant grown in Ghana. This is where Ghana is!' Help children understand global connections.