Culture and Diversity External Resources
Valuing Diversity: Developing a Deeper Understanding of All Young Children’s Behaviour
Everything we think, say, and do is processed through our own cultural backgrounds. But because culture is absorbed and passed down from generation to generation rather than explicitly taught, we’re seldom aware of it. Culture shapes not only our values and beliefs, but also our gender roles, family structures, languages, dress, food, etiquette, approaches to disabilities, child-rearing practices, and even our expectations for children’s behavior. In this way, culture creates diversity. For educators, it is important to think about your own culture and how the cultures of children and their families play a role in your CNC program.We are different, we are the same: Activities that teach young children about diversity
Diversity activities teach young children to respect and celebrate the differences in all people. Learning about different cultural aspects offers new experiences for children. It also helps them realize that we’re all humans, despite differences in how we look or dress, or what we eat or celebrate! Games and activities are a fun way for young children to learn about differences and similarities and to introduce the concept of diversity.FILM: Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action- The Early Years
A new film, Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years, features vignettes of anti-bias strategies in early childhood classrooms interspersed with teachers reflecting on their practice. The film shifts the focus away from the talking heads of experts and on to the voices of teachers committed to equity on a daily basis. By taking viewers into diverse early childhood classrooms, the film demonstrates 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. It also includes an accompanying viewer guidebook and suggestions for using the film for professional development for your team!Looking for resources to support English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners?
This collection of EAL teaching and learning resources includes worksheets & activity sheets for teachers, professionals and parents to support them in effectively communicating and helping children learn English as an Additional Language.The ABC’s of Racial Literacy
All kids need a strong individual and group identity, but racism hurts the healthy development of both. Racism hurts our entire society. Sesame Street in Communities has resources to help develop children’s understanding, curiosity, resilience, and empathy—and to prepare for the task of building a better world by standing up, standing tall, and standing together.The Importance of Promoting Diversity in Early Childhood Programs
The concept of diversity takes various forms and is incorporated into many aspects of our life. From religion, gender, culture, family structures, and physical abilities, we are each brought into this world made up of many differences. For years it was thought that children would automatically form positive outlooks about differences, but research has shown that advocating and exposing children to diversity requires active promotion!5 Strategies for Supporting Multilingual Children in Your Program
Multilingualism is an asset to be nurtured in our programs. Here are five strategies for celebrating and extending the linguistic expertise of young children who speak two or more languages.Intentional Inclusion For Multicultural Classrooms
In this episode of the preschool podcast, HiMama chats with K’Sandra Earle, Associate Director of Early Learning Neighbourhood Collective (ELNC), about how to be intentional about diversity in early learning classrooms. K'Sandra shares tips on empowering teachers and involving parents to create a space that celebrates young children and their unique cultural backgrounds.A Look Around the World – Winter Celebrations
The winter holiday season is a special time of year, especially for children. How we celebrate this year may look different, but the spirit will be the same! As early childhood education professionals, we strive to make this time of year special for the children in our lives and welcome the opportunity to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion. With the winter months upon us, we look around the world to explore 10 different winter celebrations. Learning about the celebrations of other cultures can bring us closer together and make us stronger.
Webinar: Building Holiday Diversity
In this HiMama Helps Webinar, participants will take a look at diversity and inclusion around the holiday season, explore tips, and ways to be inclusive in early childhood programs while celebrating different holidays.