For All Children: Embedding cultural diversity in early childhood education Little J & Big Cuz is an animated series that follows the everyday lives of two Aboriginal school children as they explore themes of Indigenous identity, connection to country, traditional knowledge and cultural practices. Educators at Wulagi Preschool used six Little J & Big Cuz episodes and all of the online games with 40 children aged between three and four years, 13 of whom identified as being Indigenous. Do you want me to be with your child or photograph your child? Error Consultation is how educators can stand behind their curriculum decisions with integrity and respect. Our perspectives about most things are informed and shaped by our day-to-day interactions. lN$j|Ad*HQc`3E>! We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. If youre a teacher, incorporating indigenous culture into the classroom is one of the best ways we can start teaching children about these topics at a young age. i look forward to reading more of your real and relevant topics. Alabama education director ousted over book's stance on race The children loved the witty entertaining stories with moral values. Copyright Early Childhood Australia Inc. 2023, Promoting cultural competence in early childhood. We are the peak early childhood advocacy organisation, acting in the interests of young children, their families and those in the early childhood field. What do educators know or not know on the topic? Resources encompass elements of Early Years Learning Framework and can be used as they are or adapted to suit the local community context. Every child matters. No matter what you choose, try to incorporate indigenous culture and teachings into your childrens everyday lives. He has been told his chargrilled food looks burnt, so he shouldnt bring it to school or eat it, despite it being common in my culture. Similarly, Greenwood et al. O~Mj+9!|JykOI\T$mZ7I5|g0Dn9)( >r1V7-, lZ,gM4JBO President Nelson Mandela's statement says it all: " There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.". Highlighting the Banksia flower, a recognisable floral symbol of Australia, she described how generations of Aboriginal people used it to create natures cordial a sweet drink made by dipping the flower into water. Watch how Indigenous early childhood educators extend on children's experiences through cultural knowledges and ways of learning. It is a point of entry into this way of knowing. This finding underscores that the next generation should learn more about our unique Indigenous cultures. ^$OJ-,g7GG+UG]Q|jsR&ttKzxf?Nd;XuUe?[.V;E;O{p4 dM%qOpm9t!bg6E^d'X*MFt|Q?DP K!?|r]S?9u ; ,Iu7;@]2& c] This gave her the confidence to appreciate and support differences in cultural expression in her classroom. The NSW Department of Education is committed to employing the best and brightest teachers who can teach and make a difference in NSW public schools. Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in early childhood curriculums is a multifaceted approach that includes using Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pedagogies, using childrens interests as a vehicle for learning and creating culturally inclusive play spaces. If we have the opportunity to teach them culture then they will grow up with it and hopefully hold it strong and carry it on into the future.. The power of song: sharing First Nations languages through music /g !$Qi C#k|2CU8>_tvmAK:6mWAiB. One of the guiding principles is that Australias Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are valued. Lets uphold our commitment to children by being intentional in acting ethically to honouring the richness of our pluralities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in early childhood Make a start by reflecting on where your service is right now. Parents reported exclusionary practices at EC services that were overtly or covertly discriminatory, and whereby they felt ignored and disrespected by educators (p.8). There is growing awareness and effort in Australian classrooms to understand, respect and support cultural differences, but are we starting early enough? Aboriginal Culture, Practices and Activities in Early Childhood - Pinterest Its alright to stand up and say I am Aboriginal and I go to kindy and Im going to go somewhere in my life. For example, when the episodes involved time in Ms Chens classroom, the children would model some of the behaviours of the onscreen children, such as sitting up and crossing their legs. Sprinkling culture across multiple play spaces instead of creating cultural corners. Additionally, teachings like the medicine wheel help us understand the cycle of life, nature, and the human experience. From this worldview, "pattern thinking" and "systems thinking" are essential skills and have obvious connections to mathematics and mathematics education. creating a thriving culture; Mentor training for experienced early childhood teachers. The Wellbeing Framework supports schools to create learning environments that enable students to be healthy, happy, engaged and successful. The older children who came into the Yera Childrens Service after school were content to sit with the younger children (a bit like the characters, Little J and Big Cuz) to watch the episodes. @{&.g`D` 0 Early childhood education and Indigenous Australia: what is our Educators are often so worried about doing the wrong thing that they tend to do nothing at all and suffer from a form of analysis paralysis. When you . We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. Here are some suggestions for engaging with local Aboriginal communities: Embed Indigenous culture in your practice. Early childhood education and care settings can promote perspectives that support Aboriginal community's own distinct culture such as understandings of their connection to place. For educators to support agency they must be aware of the capabilities and interests of the children they work with. Early Childhood Development | National Indigenous Australians Agency - NIAA The children loved the stories and would be highly engaged for the short duration of each episode.