1.1 Civics and Citizenship – Teaching sensitive/controversial issues as active citizenship

Respect for diversity

What children are learning

Our Kindergarten class have been learning about diversity. So what does exploring diversity look like at this age level? Basically, children discover ways people are both alike and different. We may consider ethnicity, race, culture, language, religion, gender and physical differences and similarities, in relevant, authentic and meaningful ways. We celebrate our differences in the process.

Why they are learning

You may be wondering why that is important at such an early age. The Melbourne Declaration on Education Goals for Young Australians requires children to be supported to become active and informed citizens. That goal is clearly visible in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) learning outcomes, where children learn to connect and contribute to their world. We need to be mindful that children are already citizens making sense of their world, in some form, right now. Knowledge of diversity supports children to understand differences and helps them recognize similarities. Teaching children to be accepting of diversity is part of citizenship education. It is important to provide opportunities for children to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills to participate in meaningfully and relevant ways. It is vital to respect others views to enable a more democratic community, where people are treated with consideration, regard and respect.

You may recall some principles and practices of the EYLF mentioned in previous blogs and pictured again for you below. The principle, ‘respect for diversity’ links with the practice of developing ‘cultural competence’. Responding to diversity with respect, contributes to developing a sense of identity and belonging is central to the idea of becoming active citizens.

How they are learning

As a springboard, we read an age appropriate picture book: Whoever You Are by Mem Fox. ‘What do you know about diversity?’ was posed.

Together, children worked out what they knew about diversity and what they wanted to learn more about.

Later, we viewed ...

Everyone enjoyed dressing up for role play.

Another day we:

•  Read, It’s okay to be different by Todd Parr

• Spent time discussing images in ...

...then used puppets to explore developing understandings.

• Brainstormed ideas to raise awareness

We plan to:

•  Make posters

• Learn the song below for assembly (see Appendix)

How parents/carers can support their child’s learning

As partners in your child’s learning, we want to encourage you to get involved as active participants celebrating diversity. The site may give you some ideas to discuss with your child.
I have chatted informally with some of you at pick up, to gauge interest in visiting our classroom. You may want to share your culture through cooking sessions and talks about your family customs, traditions, and religious celebrations. Please let me know if you are willing and have time to commit. We plan to go on an excursion to the local Indian restaurant in the next few weeks to indulge some traditional food. We invite you to attend our assembly at the end of the month to hear our new song and see the posters to promote awareness. With your support and encouragement children can contribute to civic life.

References

Australian Human Rights Commission (2016). Colours of Australia - song about diversity in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXW1ntCxCOk

Candyseed Stories (2015). The World's Family (An Embracing Culture Story. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni_at59TzMA

Cojohari, .N (2009). Diversity for children. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=WZkXB7eKqPM

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) (2009). Belonging, being & becoming: The early years learning framework for Australia. Retrieved from http://foi.deewr.gov.au/system/files/doc/other/belonging_being_and_becoming_the_e arly_years_learning_framework_for_australia.pdf

Education Services Australia (n.d.). Civics and citizenship education: For parents. Retrieved from http://www.civicsandcitizenship.edu.au/cce/for_parents,22590.html

Fox, M. (2007). Whoever You Are. San Diego, CA, United States: Harcourt Children's Books.

Mac Naughton, G. Hughes, P and Smith, K. (2008). Young Children as Active Citizens:Principles, Policies and Pedagogies. Retrieved from   http://www.cambridgescholars.com/download/sample/61567

Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (2008). Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians. Retrieved from http://www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/National_Declaration_on_the_Educat ional_Goals_for_Young_Australians.pdf

Tudball, L., & Brett, P. (2014). What matters and what's next for civics and citizenship education in Australia? The Social Educator, 32(2) 4-15.

United Nations Children’s Fund (2006). A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World. New York, United States: DK Publishing.

Appendix

Song lyrics

I spy with my little eye


Blue and grey and green.


Open, blinking,


Wide and winking,


The loveliest eyes I’ve ever seen.



I see colours, colours everywhere!


The colours of Australia, the beauty we all share.


I see colours, colours everywhere!


So let’s hold hands and show we care.


I spy with my little eye


Blonde and black and red.


Straight and long,


Curly and strong,


Different hair on different heads.


I see colours, colours everywhere!


The colours of Australia, the beauty we all share.


I see colours, colours everywhere!


So let’s hold hands and show we care.


I spy with my little eye


Peach and tan and brown.


Cheeks and noses,


Fingers and toes,


Beautiful skin is all around.

I see colours, colours everywhere!


The colours of Australia, the beauty we all share.


I see colours, colours everywhere!


So let’s hold hands and show we care.


We’re lucky to live in a colourful world,


With friendly boys and friendly girls,


We all look different but on the inside,


We have the same heart and we wear it with pride!


I see colours, colours everywhere!


The colours of Australia, the beauty we all share.


I see colours, colours everywhere!


So let’s hold hands and show we care.


So let’s hold hands and show we care.


So let’s hold hands and show we care.