Culture and Diversity
Anti-Bias Education: Recommended Books
Anti-bias curriculum is an approach to early childhood education that sets forth values-based principles and methodology in support of respecting and embracing differences and acting against bias and unfairness. Anti-bias teaching requires critical thinking and problem solving by both children and adults. Here is a list of books that can help!Affirmation and Celebration: New Report Offers Recommendations for Supporting Multilingual Preschool-Age Children during the Pandemic
Affirming and celebrating all language practices supports children’s identity, and social and emotional well-being, as well as fosters their learning and development. That’s the top message from a new report that focuses on ways that parents, family members and other adults can help multilingual preschool-age children cope with the stress and trauma of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Nurturing Your Preschool-Age Multilingual Child Amid COVID-19: The Important Role of Languages describes the language development of multilingual children and how to nurture them through daily conversations and other interactions.Conversations About Culture: Video and Lesson Plan
This video and lesson plan introduces the concept of cultural humility as a guiding principle for effective cross-cultural communication and collaboration. It includes a variety of helpful information, self-assessment tools, and reflective exercises for educators, students, and faculty engaged in cross-cultural research and partnerships. It was produced in association with the UB Centre for Social Research.Children’s Book: Building a Home – Available Online in 7 Languages!
The New Canadians Centre in Peterborough has published this new children’s picture book that shares the experiences of immigrant children when they arrive in Canada. Building a Home is available online in 7 languages. Written and illustrated by Peterborough artist Casandra Lee (herself a recent immigrant), Building A Home was inspired by the stories of six local newcomer children.Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity in Teaching ‘People Safety’ Skills
Kidpower has developed a list of lessons learned about creating cultural awareness to address potential obstacles in teaching people how to advocate for and protect the emotional and physical well-being of themselves and others - especially children. The purpose is always to build a mutually trusting and respectful relationship, listen, and adapt to meet people where they are.Video: Syria was once a Beautiful Country
Developed as part of a research project called Syrian Refugee Children’s Narratives of Experience, this beautiful and insightful, 15-minute video documents thirteen children’s memories of Syria, a transition country, and their early days in Canada, two years after their arrival.
Safe Spaces: Youth with Refugee Experience and Their Parents Harnessing Resilience
In a recent study, ten workshops were organized for Arabic-speaking refugee youth and their parents. Facilitated by the Syrian Canadian Foundation and psychiatrist Dr. Omar Reda, the workshops aimed to provide a safe space for refugee families to build better inter-family understanding and integrate trauma stories to build resilience. Here's what parents and youth had to say, illustrated in a simple infographic.WEBINAR: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – It Starts in Early Childhood
Diversity, equity, and inclusion seem to be buzzwords these days, but what do they all mean? During this webinar, participants took a closer look at the role of leaders and educators in creating programs, policies, and approaches that reflect these values. They'll also have a chance to discuss practical tips to create environments where everyone is welcome and included!5 Ways Immigrant Parents Support Children’s Home Language Learning
It is important to preserve and develop a child’s home language for their cultural, linguistic, and social development. Yet, languages other than English are often not welcomed or encouraged the way they should be in classrooms. Here are 5 important ways that immigrant parents pass along their important linguistic, cultural, and social knowledge to support children's home language learning.Special FILM SCREENING for CNC
CMAS is proud to present this recording of a special CNC film screening and panel discussion of the award-winning film, Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years, with co-producers Debbie LeeKeenan and John Nimmo, as well as featured teacher Nadia Janobeta. The film shifts the focus away from the talking heads of experts and on to the voices of teachers committed to equity and diversity on a daily basis. By taking viewers into diverse early childhood classrooms, the film seeks to demonstrate the importance of teacher reflection on identity, context, and practice in anti-bias education and provides a much-needed resource for teacher education and professional development.