Nursery World - Little citizens

What does citizenship mean for young children who are only just beginning to socialise? Practitioners need to consider the learning that goes on in their settings Citizenship may not be a term that practitioners immediately associate with the Foundation Stage. It does not appear in the curriculum guidance document and it is not widely used within early years literature. However, when we consider what citizenship, or being a good citizen, actually means in relation to young children, it is very easy to see how important the early years are in laying the foundations for the future.

Citizenship may not be a term that practitioners immediately associate with the Foundation Stage. It does not appear in the curriculum guidance document and it is not widely used within early years literature. However, when we consider what citizenship, or being a good citizen, actually means in relation to young children, it is very easy to see how important the early years are in laying the foundations for the future.

For a young child, being a 'good citizen' means developing self-awareness and self-confidence, learning how to play and work well with others and recognising one's place in the wider community.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included