Sprinkling culture across multiple play spaces instead of creating cultural corners. Early childhood the key to improving Indigenous health. Do you want me to be with your child or photograph your child? Racial equity expert Dr. Rosemarie Allen weighs in after Alabama's secretary of early childhood education was forced to resign because of a teacher training book. However, surprisingly many educators have no idea what NAIDOC stands for or the significance of the week which begs the question; how well can we possibly be doing it if we dont know what the celebration is about? This can even be the case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators as knowing about their culture and knowing how to translate it into an early learning context can be two separate things. Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti said the funding increase, included in the 2023-24 State Budget, would support implementation of a new system and ensure the sustainability of . There is a growing body of research on childrens awareness and understandings about race, culture and discrimination and their sense of identity and justice for others. Educators with a non-Indigenous background or limited experience with Indigenous culture should be supported to equip themselves with the knowledge and confidence to engage with content appropriate for young children. Plus, information for parents including how to choose a service and supporting your child for their transition to school. Bringing Indigenous Dance into the Primary Classroom. Early Childhood - SNAICC This can work as an antidote against the toxicity of racism and discrimination and enable the ECEC sector to create quality learning environments where children can grow and learn freely, knowing they are loved. This article seeks to raise awareness, promote a better understanding and take responsive action in honouring cultural diversity through ECEC services in two ways. He emphasises contextualising solutions to supporting children and families in their adopted countries. This is enshrined in both Australias Education and Care Services National Law and the National Quality Framework. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. No matter what you choose, try to incorporate indigenous culture and teachings into your childrens everyday lives. /g !$Qi C#k|2CU8>_tvmAK:6mWAiB. With a history stretching back 65,000 years and over 500 different First Nations around the continent, incorporating Indigenous Australia within your learning program can be daunting. Understand Indigenous culture and engaging with local knowledge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe to The Spoke and other ECA newsletters here. early learning centres. By embedding cultural learning in the early years educators can impart the wonder of Indigenous knowledge, and support Aboriginal childrens sense of identity and belonging, as well as promoting a culture of understanding and respect towards cultural diversity for all children. Copyright Early Childhood Australia Inc. 2023, Promoting cultural competence in early childhood. Children are capable of understanding so much more than we often give them credit for and teaching them about important issues at a young age can set them up for success as they grow. Aboriginal Early Childhood Education - 742 Words | Bartleby By embedding cultural learning in the early years educators can impart the wonder of Indigenous knowledge, and support Aboriginal children's sense of identity and belonging, as well as promoting a culture of understanding and respect towards cultural diversity for all children. Each episode was shown twice so that the children could become familiar with the stories. If we want to create a society that values diversity, we must start instilling an appreciation for multiculturalism in young children as early as possible. Movement experiences could involvelearning of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal dance movements, or kids could create new movements by mimicking Australian animals. We want to show all of our children the pathway and guide them in culture and bring culture back because we lost it and we really need to get that back.. She works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are starting their careers in early childhood. Similarly, Greenwood et al. Its a good idea to pre-plan and organise the release of educators to attend NAIDOC community events where they can listen, learn, reflect and connect. Information about NSW public education, including the school finder, high school enrolment, school safety, selective schools and opportunity classes. The Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework for Early Childhood Education (the framework) aims to: support uplift within the ECEC sector by providing clear expectations, standards and guidance to support services to develop, maintain and improve cultural safety. In this context, my why is centred around creating an anti-bias, anti-racist and inclusive curriculum. 0 The Early Years Learning Framework ask educators to build upon children's understandings of diversity, specifically Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. 184 0 obj <> endobj Come back when you're older. My mission is to share Aboriginal Culture in a positive and respectful way to kindergartens, early childhood centres and primary schools. Little J and Big Cuz: This animated series follows the lives of two Aboriginal school children as they explore themes of Indigenous identity, connection to country, traditional knowledge and cultural practices. Many educators feel that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history was not taught well during their formal schooling and are now engaging in a process of unlearning and relearning. In 1990, the Australian parliament ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This funding supplements mainstream Commonwealth support in childcare, pre-school, health . Visit the Foundations for S. Aboriginal Culture, Practices and Activities in Early Childhood Early Education Early Childhood Education Creative Activities Educational Activities Childcare Environments Forest School Activities Elle's Early Education Activity Based Learning Aboriginal Dreamtime Learning Framework Pop Stick Echidna Shade Trees Australian Animals echidna dbt 4 Educational resources about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander We consistently need to support our early childhood educators both during their studies and at work places. Its never too early to gently start teaching your children about important, complicated topics. We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. The effects of these losses of land, culture, Is it just important when you have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children attending the service or is it equally as important for non-Indigenous children as well? They created functional art, like didgeridoos, to make music, narrative art, paintings and to tell stories. For educators to support agency they must be aware of the capabilities and interests of the children they work with. Educators Guide to the Early Years Learning Framework, conducted by the Australian Council for Educational Research, www.wehearyou.acecqa.gov.au/2014/07/10/what-does-it-mean-to-be-culturally-competent/, The time for first steps is over: Doing better for all young children. This was because she was from a service that only enrolled children from Aboriginal backgrounds, and her own children were Aboriginal. Honouring cultural diversity involves collaboration between children, families, and teachers as well as those beyond EC services. Referring to Reggio Emilias powerful impact on Australian EC settings, Giamminuti suggested that we re-imagine ECEC services as spaces for the common good, embracing the possibility of an ethic of alliances. Remind them of what they have learned, make connections when you can, and choose activities for them that continuously expose them to the culture. Make a start by reflecting on where your service is right now. The article shares findings from research and reflects on strategies to support children and families from refugee/migrant backgrounds. loading essentials, You NSW Department of Education's information on curriculum taught in NSW schools, Aboriginal education and communities & personalised support. Early childhood education and Indigenous Australia: what is our If youre worried its too soon to start teaching your children about indigenous culture, this is the moment to set that worry aside. 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 children's interests as a vehicle for learning and creating culturally inclusive play spaces. i look forward to reading more of your real and relevant topics. Sign up for our email list for updates, promotions, and more. The protocols seek to protect the integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expressions in a way in which all Australians can engage respectfully and feel connected to this identity. All Australian children, from the earliest age, deserve to learn about our ancient country and the rich and diverse cultures of First Nations people that continue to this day. There are a many simple, practical and research-backed3 ways in which teachers can incorporate multiculturalism in early childhood classrooms. ^$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] weaving or painting, Visual arts experiences such as making and painting with ochre include Aboriginal art techniques such as cross-hatching and dot-painting. The children loved the stories and would be highly engaged for the short duration of each episode. Words like offensive, stereotypical and tokenistic when used in reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs can often have a debilitating effect. The Conventions centrality in early childhood education and care (ECEC) is built into the Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009) as follows: that all children have the right to an education that lays a foundation for the rest of their lives, maximises their ability, and respects their family, cultural and other identities and languages. (p.1), Embedded in the National Quality Standard Quality Area 1, child centred programs are the core or the foundation of every ECEC service. The PhD study by Cherie Lamb (2019) illustrates how badly refugee children and their families were misunderstood, impacting 3-5 year old childrens access and participation in EC services in Queensland. Little J & Big Cuz has been used at Morphett Vale East Kindergarten as a transition activity between a meal break and the scheduled program of learning. Exploring the context of your service may include: Perspectives on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competence, Child Australia Cultural connections booklet, Indigenous Culture: It's everybody's business. Very important for deeper understanding for other cultures. For Australia it also includes promoting greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being. (Belonging, Being & Becoming The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (P.14). I interviewed four early years teachers and only one said she felt confident to teach and incorporate cultural diversity. The inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives can be linked to each of the seven quality areas of the National Quality Framework. Embedding Indigenous culture in everyday learning and activities Thank you for being bold and addressing this topic, bringing to the fore an awareness where there has been a lack of. For many educators embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their curriculum is a daunting process. Strekalova-Hughes, E. & Wang, E.C. The episodes were played on a smart board as a transition activity leading into the childrens afternoon learning program, or as an end-of-the-day activity. Your email address will not be published. What do educators know or not know on the topic? We live in a country where more than half of us were either born in another country or have at least one parent born overseas. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education. Judith explained that developing culturally safe environments does not require educators to be experts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being. The resources are accessible for all early childhood education learning spaces, including but not limited to: family day care; play groups; kindergartens; preschools; long day care settings; before- and out-of-school settings, and families. Respect trumps harmony5 leadership lessons from the worlds toughest workplace, How to effectively reflect, record and engage children, What does it mean to be culturallycompetent? by. Reconciling strongly held beliefs by parents and teachers takes time, effort and resources. Teaching them how these values relate to indigenous culture is simply about explaining their origins, their history, and their significance so that they can have an even greater understanding of these concepts. Educators need to start where they feel comfortable and confident and often these experiences can be seen as a tourist approach; for example, listening to didgeridoo music, painting with red, black and yellow colours and cooking bush tucker etc. Aboriginal Culture, Practices and Activities in Early Childhood - Pinterest Tobin, J. When educators use their cultural competence to building childrens knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being, they address Learning Outcome 2 of the EYLFChildren are connected with and contribute to their world. I am passionate about sharing my Culture with children and teachers and love bringing interactive and engaging learning to you. Aboriginal Culture - Aboriginal Culture in Early Years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in early childhood The educators reported that, even though the children were tired at the end of the day, they were attentive to the stories and enjoyed following the various characters, especially Old Dog. Each episode is accompanied by online resources including games for children, an ebook and suggestions for play-based learning that recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy), and social and emotional development. By connecting to people or community groups who have knowledge and expertise on living culture, educators can build relationships with these communities and invite them to participate as part of the learning program. However, eventually we want educators to begin thinking more holistically and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within the curriculum instead of having it tacked on and separate. Aboriginal children : the healing power of cultural identity Every day, 10 to 20 toddlers and preschool children gather at the Katl'odeeche First Nation Children's Centre on the Hay River Dene Reserve, Northwest Territories. Encouraging Indigenous Cultural Identity in Child Care ACECQAs National Education Leader, Rhonda Livingstoneprovides insight into National Quality Framework topics of interest. The purposes of these actions, and the role of the . In a new shot in the culture wars, Alabama Gov. When you . The online games were played after some episodes. To break the cycle of trauma and violence and create hope and optimism, Lamb says we need to establish culturally credible services which are safe, secure and caring spaces for children and families. The following articles published in the Sector newsletter also offer useful strategies and resources that can be used to honour cultural diversity in EC services. Early childhood education and care settings can promote perspectives that support Aboriginal communitys own distinct culture such as understandings of their connection to place. In what ways do you ensure it is a culturally safe space for both children and adults? Perspectives of children from refugee backgrounds on their family storytelling as a culturally sustaining practice. We can stand proud and be proud of our culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and Education - Education :(Y|U4WAGE3~084o3ZTs@W@bW.T_|aT\U4EU!W yJUG`O`sfo9`* K\ t3KGGG(` bP@"; 2J1#-`cFsi%eXLl'%h%d$$`+j('y[hTL>W{i1``Lfb`b`3?QAd;o9,WY5H37 4 Manjula Waniganayake, Professor of Early Childhood Education, at the School of Education, Macquarie University is a researcher and teacher educator, contributing to the preparation of numerous cohorts of ECEC teachers. . PDF 1 Outcome 1: Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity - Acecqa Many early childhood educators experience extreme anxiety when it comes to including Aboriginal perspectives in their program. Children need to hear First Nations knowledge through their voices. One of the best resources that educators can access is their local community. These experiences will enrich your childrens lives in meaningful ways and teach them about a beautiful and special culture. The rich benefits of traditional methods like this can be extended to all children, by involving singers, dancers, and actors specialising in culturally specific music, movement and drama in ECEC services. First steps - the NSW Aboriginal children's early childhood education strategy 2021-2025 (2021) Indigenous participation in early childhood education and care - qualitative case studies September 2016 Key resources on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in early education and care services (2019) However NAIDOC week can serve as an additional optimal opportunity for educators to make contact, connect and engage with their local Indigenous community. We have an eye for identifying compelling and award-winning narratives that capture the unique heritage and diverse lives of Australia's first peoples. Additionally, when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources, tools and artefacts are available at a service, ensure they are utilised in play and not used in cultural corners as a display. Implementing sustainable cultural practices involves educators building positive relationships and providing culturally safe environments that foster genuine attitudes of inclusion and equity. Using Little J & Big Cuz in ECEC settings. 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. Playbuilding with Aboriginal Pedagogies - education.nsw.gov.au Keiryn considered the stories a good way to show the children how to interact with each other by talking and listening with care, respect and empathy. What is ever present for these children and adults is the subtle, subjugated nature and insidious side of social out casting or marginalisation. Aboriginal people have had multiple losses, which still have an effect on their emotional health. National Quality Framework (NQF) eLearning modules, Quality Support Program Dual Program Pathways, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) resources, developing an awareness of the traditional custodians of the land and the language/s spoken, working collaboratively with children, families and the local community to develop an Acknowledgment of Country that signifies respect for Aboriginal culture, exploring the connectedness to the land and respect for community protocols, sensory exploration and responsiveness to the natural environment through play, exploration of how living things are interconnected and the interdependence between land, people, plants and animals. Start teaching your children about indigenous culture with toys and activities they are already enjoying. Read the terminology guide from Narragunnawali on using respectful and inclusive language and terminology. The 2019 theme was We Play, We Learn, We Belong. Teachers must follow protocols for teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. A very important and interesting topic to discuss. 8 Aboriginal Ways Of Learning - Aussie Childcare Network Children love making art, so make the connection and teach them about aboriginal culture by making an art project.