CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY IS
AN IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR LIFE
WHAT IS CULTURAL DIVERSITY?
Human beings are essentially relational beings, and the ways in which we relate to one another is largely filtered through our unique culture.
Cultural diversity refers to the differences that characterise individuals' sense of identification with a particular cultural group in terms of their associated languages and/or dialects, traditions, daily practices, values and beliefs. Within any culture, there is also further diversity, which means that individuals and families who associate themselves with the same culture may not necessarily hold the same practices, values, beliefs, or speak the same language/dialect. Australia is an undeniably diverse country, and so are early childhood classrooms, ever-increasing in terms of diversity 3. As part of responding to this diversity across the nation, cultural diversity should be treated positively and respectfully in all contexts. |
Here is a video that outlines that importance of celebrating cultural diversity in the defining phase of early childhood.
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WHY IS CELEBRATING IT AN IMPORTANT FOUNDATION FOR LIFE?
Early childhood is the defining phase of a child's life when they begin to develop a sense of their own identity, as well as an awareness of differences between people 1. This includes how they should respond to these differences in terms of feelings, opinions, attitudes and beliefs 1. As such, it is essential to lay the right foundation for how they negotiate these differences.
It promotes a sense of belonging and mental health. Respecting, valuing and celebrating the diversity that individual children bring to the learning context allows children to develop a sense of belonging within that community 1. A deep sense of belonging that comes with being cared for and respected is not only a basic human need; it is a crucial protective factor when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, and it also serves as an important buffer against stress in times of crisis 1. This has a positive effect on their behaviour and their overall mental health 4. It helps children to sustain positive relationships. At an early age, children develop relationships with people from within their own culture, and across multiple other cultures that may be quite different from their own 2. By fostering a sense of appreciation and respect for the various forms of diversity around them, it helps children to develop essential knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for the successful initiation and development of positive relationships in the future 2. This is essential for their social and emotional wellbeing 2. |
"Everybody needs to feel accepted, respected and included. Feeling welcome and at home is important for positive mental health." --KidsMatters |
HOW WOULD AN EARLY CHILDHOOD SETTING PROVIDE FOR THIS?
Click on the button below to access two examples of how early childhood settings may incorporate a play-based approach to address this concept and what children can learn from them based on outcomes from the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework:
HOW CAN I SUPPORT MY CHILD IN RESPECTING CULTURAL DIVERSITY? |
REFERENCES:
- 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
- KidsMatter. (n.d.). Welcoming cultural diversity. Retrieved from http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/early-childhood/resources-support-childrens-mental-health/about-social-development/about-welcoming
- Lin, Y. M. (2008). Beliefs and practices of anti-bias curriculum in early childhood settings (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from http://diginole.lib.fsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3095&context=etd
- Kids Helpline. (2014). Cross cultural differences and respecting others. Retrieved from http://www.kidshelp.com.au/grownups/news-research/hot-topics/cross-cultural-differences.php