CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY IS AN IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR LIFE!About Cultural DiversityCultural diversity refers to people who identify with particular groups based on their birthplace, ethnicity, language, values, beliefs and world views (Kids Matter). However this also means that not everyone will hold the same values or views. Everyone is different and individual.
Through including people and respecting their culture needs we are showing cultural diversity, we need to respect all individual differences.
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"Culture is the fundamental building block of identity and is essential for children's sense of being and belonging" - EYLF 2012
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Children at a very early age can start to show prejudice behaviour and attitudes. The way that adults around them display attitudes and behaviours will affect how the child sees different cultures and individuals.
Children develop connections to their culture through experiences. Having a strong sense of their own culture history and traditions helps them build a positive identity for themselves. However we also need to encourage children to understand diverse cultural backgrounds so they understand and respond to the different expectations. Through promoting diversity in the environment children develop a positive attitude towards similarities and differences (Beecher et al. 2015). This is important to children because they will develop a sense of belonging and this will support their health, self esteem and well being. Books that promote cultural diversity! |
What you can do at home to support and develop cultural identity and a sense of belonging!
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The above four books are suitable from four years and above, there are many more options available.
Please click the link to view how 'celebrating cultural diversity is a foundation for life', would look in as a play based approach an early childhood setting. |
This is a small presentation about the importance of diversity and great for young children to view. |
References:
Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2015). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (6th ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Cengage Learning Australia.
Connor, J. (2012). Understanding cultural competence. EYLF PLP, Newsletter, 7 Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EYLFPLP_E-Newsletter_No7.pdf
KidsMatter. (n.d.). Why culture matters for children's development and wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/early-childhood/about-social-development/about-welcoming-cultural-diversity/why-culture-matters
Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., & Farmer, S. (2015). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (6th ed.). South Melbourne, Australia: Cengage Learning Australia.
Connor, J. (2012). Understanding cultural competence. EYLF PLP, Newsletter, 7 Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EYLFPLP_E-Newsletter_No7.pdf
KidsMatter. (n.d.). Why culture matters for children's development and wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/early-childhood/about-social-development/about-welcoming-cultural-diversity/why-culture-matters