Culture

Culture is a prominent theme in Australian early childhood education and The EYLF learning outcomes. It connects strongly with concepts of identity, belonging and diversity.

Learning about other cultures is a beautiful and mind-opening experience. Children of all ages can become curious about culture, including Australian and international cultures. However, culture can be a difficult word to define. Dictionaries usually offer multiple meanings.

Culture can mean a way of life shared by a group of people. It can also be something people watch or participate in, like going to an art gallery or the theatre. And then, people can better themselves by becoming "cultured".

All of these definitions are appropriate in early childhood education. Children can become strong in their own culture while also experiencing other people's cultures. And they can learn to be culturally competent.

The United Nations says: "Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development."

The benefits of culture

The benefits of culture include:

• cultural awareness
• social awareness.

UNCRC

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have the right to:

• an education that teaches them to respect their families and cultures, and those of other people (article 29), and the right to enjoy their culture and use their language (article 30)
• receive their rights, regardless of race, ethnicity, appearance, gender, language or religion (article 2).

NQS

Culture aligns with the National Quality Standard: Each child’s culture is the foundation of the program (1.1.2).

EYLF learning outcomes

Culture aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework as it:

• involves connecting with groups of people (2.1)
• promotes social wellbeing (3.1)
• encourages children to connect with people (4.4).

The Early Years Learning Framework discusses culture:

"Children are born belonging to a culture, which is not only influenced by traditional practices, heritage and ancestral knowledge, but also by the experiences, values and beliefs of individual families and communities."

"Cultural responsiveness is more than awareness of cultural differences. It includes learning about multiple perspectives and diversity in all its forms, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, family and individual diversity. It is the ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across cultures."

"From before birth children are connected to family, communities, culture and place."

Learning opportunities

Explore types of culture

Children can learn about different types of culture:

• popular culture.

Learning experiences

Explore fashion through culture and time

Show children pictures of diverse people wearing clothes and accessories. Choose people from differen tcultures and time periods. Let the children lead the conversation. Use their comments and questions as a starting point for future learning.