Culture is a prominent theme in Australian early childhood education and The EYLF learning outcomes. It connects strongly with concepts of identity, belonging and diversity.
Learning about other cultures is a beautiful and mind-opening experience. Children of all ages can become curious about culture, including Australian and international cultures. However, culture can be a difficult word to define. Dictionaries usually offer multiple meanings.
Culture can mean a way of life shared by a group of people. It can also be something people watch or participate in, like going to an art gallery or the theatre. And then, people can better themselves by becoming "cultured".
All of these definitions are appropriate in early childhood education. Children can become strong in their own culture while also experiencing other people's cultures. And they can learn to be culturally competent.
The United Nations says: "Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development."
What is cultural competency?
Rhonda Livingstone describes cultural competence as the "will and actions to build understanding between people, to be respectful and open to different cultural perspectives, strengthen cultural security and work towards equality in opportunity."
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) says, "cultural competence is much more than awareness of cultural differences. It is the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures."
For a respectful and harmonious world, it is essential that people are exposed to diverse cultures during their early childhood years. Early childhood educators can greatly impact the future of our society by incorporating culture into their programs.
Unfortunately, many educators lack the required knowledge and confidence. If this sounds like you, focus on yourself first. Here are some ways to develop your own cultural competence:
- Learn about your own culture and family history. Define your own beliefs and values.
- Immerse yourself in different cultures - watch movies and read stories.
- Make new friends. Find a penpal in another country on Interpals.
- Learn another language. This will open your mind to a new way of thinking and require you to interact with people who speak that language.
- Work or volunteer with an organisation that has diverse people.
- Complete professional development relating to cultural diversity.
UNCRC and EYLF
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that education should encourage children to respect their own cultures and other cultures.
The Early Years Learning Framework asks children to have a strong sense of identity (1) and a sense of belonging to groups and communities (2.1). When children connect positively with people (4.4) from other cultures, they learn respect for diversity (2.2).
Learning experiences
Start with the children
Some children will be interested in their own culture. Others will be curious about another culture or cultures in general. Define what interests them and what they want to learn about. Find out what they already know and use this as a starting point for new areas of inquiry.
Travel the globe
Take children around the world using a desk globe, world map, or Google Maps. Explore different countries and the cultures of the people who live there. If your service has children from different countries, you could display a map and pin their photos to relevant locations.
Play traditional games
Play traditional children's games from around the world. Watch the YouTube video and follow the instructions to play ampe from Ghana. Wikipedia has an extensive list of games. Also, ask families and staff what they played as children.
Cook international treats
Food brings people together. Cook simple recipes from around the world. Expose your children to new ingredients, flavours and methods of cooking. Be brave! Cook with vegetables, beans and legumes, meats and spices.
- Salsa verde dip is easy to make in a food processor. Eat it with vegetable sticks or crackers.
- Dumplings and wontons taste great and are fun to make.
- Try Jamie Oliver's lentil tabbouleh or grilled fruit salad.
Look at old photographs
Look at historical photographs from your local area. Either search online or ask your local historical society. How has the culture changed over time?
Tell stories
Storytelling has been intertwined in all cultures since the beginning of time, to pass on history, beliefs and values. Make storytelling a feature of your program:
- Create a designated space and or a time each day for oral storytelling.
- Use visual art techniques from diverse cultures to communicate ideas.
- Express yourself through dance, music and movement.
- Learn about myths, legends, fables, prayers, poems, chants and rhymes.
Learn words from new languages
Teach children words, including greetings and songs, from different languages. Find more ideas in the interest topic languages and multilingualism.
Promote diversity
Teach children that differences are wonderful; they make the world a richer place. Learn more about promoting respect for difference in our topic on diversity.
Value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
Remember, you don't need to look overseas for unique and important cultures. Start with Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and contribute towards reconciliation.
Learning environments
Create windows to the world
Think of your resources (e.g. toys, books, posters, dolls) as windows to the world. Children should be able to look through them and see how other people live, even cultures that are not represented by the people attending your service.
Use authentic images and artifacts from a culture. Avoid drawings and cartoons depicting people from a culture, unless they were created by someone from that culture. Feature a wide range of art and design styles on your walls, from different countries and periods in history.
Family connections
Invite families and staff members to share elements of their culture (e.g. cooking, songs, books, words, games, art). Also include different aspects of Australian culture (e.g. sheep shearing, surfing).
Interactions
Show genuine interest in each child's experiences at home. Ask questions. Let the children teach you and the other children about their culture.
Routines
- Let the children choose and try different cultural eating utensils.
- Incorporate different types of bread into your menu each day. There are many delicious types to try from around the world.
- Try sleeping outdoors, which is common in other cultures.
- Play diverse styles of music, not just traditional western children's songs.
Observe other culture's daily life
One of the most interesting cultural differences are daily routines like eating, sleeping and bathing. Read books or watch videos about children's lifestyles around the world.
Watch Inside a Japanese Kid's bedroom on YouTube.
Events
- Australian National Heritage Festival
- 18th April is World Heritage Day
- 21st May is World Day for Cultural Diversity
Discussions
- What does culture mean? What does diversity mean?
- What cultures do you identify with?
- Which cultures do you want to learn more about?
Reflections
- Do I know the cultural background of every child at my service?
- Are you culturally competent?
- Which culture interests your children the most?
Resources
Picture books
- Our Place by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson
- Mirror by Jeannie Baker
Websites
The Cultural Atlas from SBS is the perfect starting point for gaining knowledge about different cultures in non-tokenistic ways.