Humanities and Social Science

Children's knowledge of people, cultures, communities, surroundings, and history is fostered via the Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS).  Using HASS creatively in early childhood fosters empathy, critical thinking, and a feeling of identity and belonging (Gilbert & Hoepper, 2017).  Children start to investigate ideas like time, place, customs, and social relationships through role-playing, storytelling, family conversations, and cultural artefacts discovered at home.  In addition to encouraging respect for diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability—all crucial lifelong learning and civic engagement skills—creative possibilities in HASS assist young children in seeing themselves as engaged members of their communities.

Creativity theories and perspectives

Sociocultural theories like Vygotsky's emphasis on learning through interaction, culture, and symbolic play serve as the foundation for creativity in HASS (Bodrova & Leong, 2015).  According to Bruner's constructivist theory, children can better understand the world through the use of story and inquiry.  Craft's (2002) "everyday creativity" and "possibility thinking" are also incorporated into HASS, where children see various futures and points of view.  According to these views, children are capable and inquisitive learners who use imaginative activities like storytelling, dramatic play, and group problem-solving to build knowledge about people and places.

 Resources, materials, and digital technologies

Family photos, clothes, maps, recipe books, calendars, cultural artefacts, and recycled packaging are examples of household goods that encourage research into social roles, identity, and history.  Children can engage in role-playing that mimics common social systems by using kitchen items, empty containers, or dress-up clothing.  Digital tools that can improve engagement with HASS concepts include voice recorders, family tale videos, child-friendly map apps, and digital picture books (Edwards, 2017).  With tablets, educators can investigate various international communities, record cultural events at home, or compile digital storybooks that highlight children's real-life experiences.  

Learning experiences

0–2 years: Identifying familiar people or locations in family photo albums fosters a sense of identification and belonging.

 2–3 years: Using empty containers and bags to pretend to "shop" promotes language use and social role development.

 3–5 years: Using everyday items as landmarks on a map of the house or community fosters spatial awareness and a sense of place.

 6 to 8 years: Using a tablet to conduct interviews with family members about their early years or creating family history timelines fosters historical thinking and perspective-taking.

 Learning opportunities

0–2 years: "My Family Basket": To promote identity and connection, children investigate a sensory basket full of safe domestic objects that symbolise their family's customs or culture.

 2–3 years: "Mini Community Corner": Children construct stores or service buildings out of repurposed boxes and containers and play pretend to represent community life.

 3–5 years: "Home History Museum": Children gather vintage objects (buttons, postcards, and cutlery) from relatives and build a miniature museum while developing their narrative and historical research skills.

Critical reflection and evaluation

Storytelling, empathy, and using lived experience to bridge the past and present are at the heart of my innovative approach to HASS.  Household settings, in my opinion, are rich cultural landscapes where children can imaginatively investigate diversity, values, and social identity.  I'm good at creating stories out of commonplace objects, like transforming a calendar into a timeline of history or a spice rack into a global adventure.  This skill enables me to create experiences that encourage children to share their stories, ask questions, and develop empathy.  I believe that visual recording and open-ended conversations are important instruments for empowering children's agency and voice in their socialisation process.  Every learning experience is inclusive of all backgrounds and sensitive to the cultural surroundings of the children thanks to my reflective practice. I support curriculum innovation by reimagining how we teach history, geography, and social structures in ways that are meaningful, engaging, and deeply connected to children's everyday worlds—aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework outcomes and fostering informed, compassionate citizens. I do this by integrating HASS concepts into play-based, real-life scenarios, which help children develop not only critical thinking but also a deep respect for others and their environment.

Ready to unlock your creativity?

Contact us now to schedule a Creative Coaching Session or join one of our Goal Setting Workshops or Mindfulness Retreats.