What is Cultural Diversity and why is it Important for children to celebrate it?
Australia has one of the most culturally diverse societies in the world. Cultural diversity refers to people who identify with particular groups based on their birthplace, ethnicity, language, values, beliefs or world views. This does not mean that everyone from a particular cultural group will hold exactly the same values or do things in the same way.
Showing support for cultural diversity involves talking with people to find out how best to include them and respect their cultural needs. Valuing and respecting diversity encourages people to accept the individual differences amongst individuals and groups (kidsmatter, n.d). It is important for all children to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, and to find their place in the world. By celebrating the diverse cultures that exist within Australian society, we are promoting the wellbeing, acceptance and inclusion of all children from all cultures we meet. It is important to remember that every family is individual. They are not a culture. In contemporary Australia there are many cultural variations. We need to respect the diversity of families and communities and the aspirations they hold for their children (Resourcing Parents, 2011). |
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How is Cultural Diversity catered for in the Early Years?
Celebrating cultural diversity can be the most exciting lessons for the children to be involved in. They absolutely love learning about the different cultures that exist within our society, as well as among their peers. Most of the students are usually intrigued to learn more about the different characteristics of each other that make them individuals, as well as the various parts of their cultures, such as celebrations, languages and beliefs that connect them to one another. Children are also innately curious about how 'things' are done differently by different people.
Song, dance, books and cooking are popular examples of integrating cultural diversity into early childhood settings. The two examples below touch on the lessons that are possible on the journey of celebrating cultural diversity. At the bottom of the page are links to more activities as well as documentation supporting the importance of celebrating cultural diversity in our society.
Song, dance, books and cooking are popular examples of integrating cultural diversity into early childhood settings. The two examples below touch on the lessons that are possible on the journey of celebrating cultural diversity. At the bottom of the page are links to more activities as well as documentation supporting the importance of celebrating cultural diversity in our society.
The Sand SymbolsYoung children love to have the chance to play and explore on their own terms. This activity would be suitable for those children in pre-primary or year 1, but can easily be modified to suit lower or higher aged children. "The Sand Symbols", is a story about an Aboriginal Elder sharing knowledge with her grand-children about traditional lifestyles and the meanings of many of the symbols found in Aboriginal artworks.
After reading the story, students are given a notepad, symbol guide and stones with symbols on them, and are encouraged to create messages using only the stones. This activity gives students the opportunity to experience one of the ways that Traditional Indigenous people of Australia would write and communicate. Some relevant curriculum links
Australian National Curriculum Foundation Year: Understand that English is one of many languages spoken in Australia and that different languages may be spoken by family, classmates and community (ACELA1426) http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/ Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Outcome 1: Children have a Strong Sense of Identity Children develop strong foundations in both the culture and language/s of their family and of the broader community without compromising their cultural identities. Outcome 2: Children are Connected with and Contribute to their World Children broaden their understanding of the world in which they live. Outcome 5: Children are Effective Communicators Children engage in enjoyable interactions using verbal and non-verbal language. Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline (SCaSA) Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines: Build Knowledgable and Confident Self-Identities build an understanding that there are other social and cultural heritages different from their own. explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' cultures who have a connection with places and people, past and present School Curriculum and Standards Authority. |
Celebrating Chinese New YearThis is a great example of celebrating the Chinese New Year together as a class. As part of a school-wide celebration, the early years class learnt about the significance of the Chinese New Year, along with the significance of the dragon and traditional dances that are seen in Chinese New Year celebrating parades. The Dragon's head was created using recycled materials, and the body was made from 4.6m of red fabric. The children then re-created a traditional dance for the school parade.
This activity gives those students in the school/class a sense of belonging, and helps to make them feel included by their peers, as their cultural celebrations and beliefs are being supported. Some relevant curriculum links
Australian National Curriculum Foundation Year: Replicate the rhythms and sound patterns in stories, rhymes, songs and poems from a range of cultures (ACELT1579) http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/ Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Outcome 1: Children have a Strong Sense of Identity Children sense and respond to a feeling of belonging. Outcome 4: Children are Confident and Involved Learners Children experience the benefits and pleasures of shared learning exploration. Outcome 5: Children are Effective Communicators Children engage in enjoyable interactions using verbal and non-verbal language. Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline (SCaSA) Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines: Explore Diversity and Respond with Respect Children identify and compare similarities and differences in their own and others' histories and culture. Children react in respectful ways to diversity School Curriculum and Standards Authority. |
See Some More Examples
Six kids books about Indigenous Culture your child should read
14 Fun Multicultural Education Activities Online Cultural Awareness games Maori Cultural Education resources. Hei Waiata Same sex family education resources KidsMatter: Cultural Diversity Education Teaching Cultural Diversity- Global Kidz |
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References:
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, (2010). The Educators Guide to the Early Years Learning Framework. Retrieved from
http://files.acecqa.gov.au/files/National-Quality-Framework-Resources-Kit/educators_guide_to_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf. Accessed 27/9/2015.
KidsMatter, (n.d). Cultural Diversity and Children's Wellbeing. Retrieved from: https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/sites/default/files/public/KMP_C1_CDCW_CulturalDiversityAndChildrensWellbeing.pdf. Accessed 28/9/2015.
Resourcing Parents, (2011). Diversity in Practice. Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Services. Tip Sheet 2.
Retrieved from: http://www.resourcingparents.nsw.gov.au/ContentFiles/Files/diversity-in-practice-tipsheet-2.pdf Accessed 27/9/2015.
http://files.acecqa.gov.au/files/National-Quality-Framework-Resources-Kit/educators_guide_to_the_early_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf. Accessed 27/9/2015.
KidsMatter, (n.d). Cultural Diversity and Children's Wellbeing. Retrieved from: https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/sites/default/files/public/KMP_C1_CDCW_CulturalDiversityAndChildrensWellbeing.pdf. Accessed 28/9/2015.
Resourcing Parents, (2011). Diversity in Practice. Celebrating Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Services. Tip Sheet 2.
Retrieved from: http://www.resourcingparents.nsw.gov.au/ContentFiles/Files/diversity-in-practice-tipsheet-2.pdf Accessed 27/9/2015.
The creator of this site acknowledges the Traditional Owners of lands and waters throughout Australia and pays respect to Elders both past and present. I recognise the importance of continued connection to culture, country and community to the health and social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.