Cultural inclusivity in the early years: 5 reasons to embrace diversity and 9 practical ways to start
Cultural inclusiveness in the field of early childhood education and care refers to creating an environment where children, families, and Educators, respect, recognise, and embrace diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves ensuring that children from all cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds feel valued, respected, and included. Cultural inclusiveness means integrating and celebrating various cultural perspectives, traditions, languages, and experiences into the daily activities and interactions within early childhood settings.
“Our culture is the one thing that sets us apart. But it’s also the one thing that binds us together.”
— Beverley McLachlin
So why is building cultural inclusiveness important for young children? The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) gives us 5 supporting reasons:
1. Fosters Empathy and Respect for Differences
EYLF Learning Outcome 2: “Children are connected with and contribute to their world.”
Cultural inclusiveness encourages young children to recognise and respect the diverse cultures within their environment. It fosters empathy by allowing children to see the world from different perspectives, understand the experiences of others, and appreciate cultural diversity. Through activities and interactions that celebrate various cultural traditions, children learn to build respectful relationships with peers from different backgrounds.
The EYLF emphasises the idea that in early childhood, we encourage children to develop respect for diversity and inclusivity. Educators create opportunities for children to engage with cultural diversity, allowing them to interact respectfully with others and to develop a sense of social responsibility. This can be achieved through discussions, group activities, and storytelling, all of which help children understand that every individual’s culture is valuable.
2. Promotes Positive Identity Formation
EYLF Learning Outcome 1: “Children have a strong sense of identity.”
Cultural inclusiveness directly supports children’s sense of identity. When children see their own culture reflected and respected in their learning environment, they feel a stronger connection to themselves and their heritage. At the same time, it promotes an understanding of other cultures, which helps them appreciate diversity and form a more comprehensive sense of self in relation to the world around them.
According to the EYLF, it is essential for children to develop a positive self-identity. When Educators create an environment where children’s cultural identities are acknowledged and celebrated, they contribute to the child’s self-confidence, well-being, and emotional resilience. This fosters a positive sense of belonging, where children feel valued and understood for who they are.
3. Prepares Children for a Global Society
EYLF Learning Outcome 4: “Children are confident and involved learners.”
Exposure to a variety of cultures equips children with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a global society. As they interact with peers from different backgrounds, they learn to appreciate and navigate cultural differences, which will be invaluable in a world that is increasingly interconnected.
The EYLF emphasises the importance of children becoming confident, involved learners who engage with a diverse world. By integrating diverse cultural experiences into their learning, children develop critical thinking, adaptability, and communication skills. These skills are necessary for them to participate meaningfully in a global community, where cultural awareness and competence are essential.
4. Reduces Prejudice and Discrimination
EYLF Learning Outcome 3: “Children have a strong sense of well-being.”
Early exposure to cultural diversity and inclusive practices helps to reduce prejudice, discrimination, and biases. By learning to appreciate and understand different cultures, children are less likely to develop negative stereotypes. This leads to more inclusive attitudes and behaviour, promoting social harmony and well-being.
The EYLF highlights the importance of nurturing children’s well-being by fostering a sense of safety, acceptance, and belonging. By addressing bias and prejudice in early childhood settings, Educators help children develop emotional resilience, social awareness, and a sense of justice. Creating a culture of inclusivity in the classroom not only benefits children from diverse backgrounds, but also contributes to the emotional well-being of all children, helping them feel secure and supported.
5. Fosters a Sense of Belonging for All Children
EYLF Learning Outcome 5: “Children are effective communicators.”
Cultural inclusiveness ensures that all children feel a strong sense of belonging in an early learning setting, regardless of their cultural background. When children feel valued and included, they are more likely to participate actively in their learning and social interactions. This sense of belonging also helps children develop a sense of security, which is crucial for their emotional and social development.
According to the EYLF, fostering a sense of belonging is central to children’s development and learning. Children who feel they belong are more likely to express themselves, communicate their ideas, and collaborate with others. By valuing cultural diversity, Educators create an environment where all children are encouraged to share their cultural traditions, experiences and languages, thus enhancing their communication skills and overall engagement with the learning process.
Supporting Theory: Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory
Vygotsky’s ‘sociocultural theory’ suggests that children internalise and learn from the beliefs and attitudes that they witness around them. He believed that culture played an important role in shaping cognitive development and therefore, that this development varied across cultures. Vygotsky stressed the importance of language as the root of all learning.
How we encourage inclusiveness and cultural understanding at Preschool:
1. Diverse Books and Storytelling
- Books and Stories from Diverse Cultures: We provide a rich selection of picture books, folk tales, and stories from a variety of cultures. Children at this age are very visual, and books with diverse characters and settings are an excellent way to introduce them to different ways of life. Choose stories that portray diversity in everyday situations, showing children from various ethnicities, abilities, and family structures in positive, empowering roles.
- Example: Books like “The Color of Us” by Karen Katz or “Global Babies” by The Global Fund for Children can introduce young children to different cultural practices, traditions, and family dynamics.
- Interactive Storytelling: Use storytelling sessions to allow children to act out or retell stories. This can help them connect more deeply with different cultures and feel part of the narrative. Involving children in re-enacting cultural stories helps them better understand diverse viewpoints.
- Example: Read a story about a cultural tradition, and then engage children in role-playing parts of the story, such as a family meal or celebration from that culture.
2. Celebrate Cultural Diversity Through Art and Craft
- Art Activities from Different Cultures: We introduce children to art and craft activities inspired by different cultural traditions. Activities like making Chinese lanterns for the Chinese New Year, creating Día de los Muertos sugar skulls, or weaving African-inspired patterns, can help children learn about different cultural symbols and customs.
- Example: Have children paint traditional patterns or designs from various cultures, such as Native American symbols, African tribal art, or Aboriginal dot painting.
- Cultural Exploration Stations: Set up art stations where children can explore materials from different cultures, such as fabrics, paints, or beads. This hands-on approach can help children gain a deeper understanding of cultural objects and artistic expressions.
- Example: Set up a table with African textiles or South Asian fabrics for children to feel and explore, teaching them about how these fabrics are used in clothing or decorations.
3. Cultural Role-Playing and Dramatic Play
- Pretend Play with Family Structures: We provide resources like dolls, figures, and other toys that reflect a range of family structures, such as single-parent families, extended families, and families from different cultural and religious backgrounds. This promotes inclusivity by helping children see diverse family dynamics as normal and valuable.
- Example: Include dolls representing diverse ethnicities, abilities, and family structures in the dramatic play area. Encourage children to role-play scenarios that celebrate family diversity.
4. Multicultural Music and Movement
- Introduce Music from Around the World: We playing songs and music from different cultures to expose children to various languages, rhythms, and sounds. Music is a powerful tool for fostering cultural awareness and appreciation at an early age.
- Example: Play songs in different languages, such as Spanish, Swahili, or Hindi. Encourage children to clap, dance, or mimic the rhythms, allowing them to experience music from other cultures in an interactive way.
- Cultural Movement Games: Encourage movement and dance inspired by different cultural traditions. Learning traditional dances or movement patterns from other cultures can help children develop a sense of rhythm, coordination, and cultural appreciation.
- Example: Teach simple dances from different countries, such as the Mexican Hat Dance, a West African dance, or an Australian Aboriginal movement pattern.
5. Diverse Role Models and Visual Representation
- Display Cultural Symbols: Decorate your classroom with images, posters, and materials that represent a variety of cultural backgrounds. Include diverse representations of people, customs, holidays, and family structures. This not only helps children feel valued, but also introduces them to a wider range of cultural experiences.
- Example: Use posters or pictures showing children and families from different ethnic backgrounds, as well as people practising different cultural traditions and customs.
- Representation of Diverse Cultures in Toys and Dolls: Ensure that toys, dolls, and figurines in your classroom reflect a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Including dolls with different skin tones, facial features, and cultural attire will help children of all backgrounds feel seen and represented.
- Example: Provide dolls, figurines, and toys with diverse ethnic backgrounds and features, such as dolls in traditional cultural clothing or toys from different countries.
6. Invite Families and Community Members
- Cultural Sharing from Families: Invite families to share their cultural traditions, stories, songs, or foods with the class. This allows children to learn about different cultures directly from the people who live them and helps families feel involved in their child’s education.
- Example: Host a cultural day where families can bring in cultural artifacts, share traditional foods, or perform a song or dance from their culture.
- Guest Speakers and Cultural Experts: Involve local cultural groups or individuals who can offer firsthand insights into their traditions, values, and experiences. Children can learn directly from community members who bring unique perspectives to the classroom.
- Example: Invite a local cultural group to perform traditional music or dance for the children or to lead a hands-on activity related to their culture. We have a relationship with a local Indigenous elder who comes monthly to the centre to share her knowledge with the children.
7. Model Inclusivity and Respect
- Inclusive Language: Use inclusive and respectful language that acknowledges and celebrates cultural differences. Encourage children to use polite language and terms that are respectful of all cultures.
- Example: Teach children greetings from different cultures, such as “Bonjour” (French), “Hola” (Spanish), or “Ni hao” (Mandarin). Be sure to include greetings that are representative of your Preschool families. Explain the cultural significance of these greetings to broaden their understanding.
- Demonstrate Respect for Differences: As an Educator, model how to respect and appreciate diversity. Treat all cultural practices with respect, showing children that different doesn’t mean inferior or less important.
- Example: If a child shares something from their culture (e.g., a special tradition or a holiday celebration), listen attentively and affirm the significance of their sharing. This sets the tone for how children should treat one another’s cultural practices.
8. Foster Critical Thinking about Diversity
- Discussions on Differences: When appropriate, engage children in simple conversations about cultural differences and similarities. These discussions can be gentle introductions to recognising and celebrating diversity.
- Example: Ask questions like, “How are these two celebrations similar or different?” or “What do we wear when we celebrate?” to help children notice and respect cultural differences.
- Encourage Empathy: Use stories, role-playing, and discussions to help children develop empathy toward people from different cultural backgrounds. Encourage them to think about what it might be like to live in another culture or to have different traditions.
- Example: After learning about a child’s culture or a specific cultural practice, ask the children to reflect on how they would feel participating in that tradition or how it might be different from their own experience.
9. Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment
- Respect for All Backgrounds: Make sure every child feels valued, regardless of their cultural background. Create an environment where all students’ home languages, practises, and traditions are treated with respect and curiosity.
- Example: If a child speaks a language other than the classroom’s primary language, encourage them to share simple phrases or words with the class. This promotes pride in their linguistic background and encourages curiosity in their peers.
- Encourage Positive Social Interactions: Help children develop positive relationships with peers from different backgrounds by facilitating group activities where they can collaborate and learn from each other.
- Example: Organise group tasks that require collaboration, such as building a cultural collage or creating a group mural that reflects different cultures.
Thank you for reading, we hope you can incorporate these examples and ideas into your own early learning Educational Program. For further resources on culture and for the NSW cultural calendar, visit the NSW Education page titled ‘Calendar for cultural diversity‘ with a downloadable calendar and other resources for planning cultural activities.
References:
- https://www.gowriensw.com.au/thought-leadership/vygotsky-theory
- https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf
- https://adrienneclarkson.com/writing-and-speeches/2017/12/15/tribute-to-beverley-mclachlin
Written by Yulia, Sustainable Play Preschool Culture Leader
