Reflecting a multicultural community
A story about responding to a multicultural learning community.
Pakuranga Baptist Kindergarten is a multicultural centre that reflects the changing demographics of the local community. They employ staff who share the cultural backgrounds of their community, and the use of the home languages and English is encouraged.
Children are able to use different languages in response to the person they are talking to. Kaiako took responsibility for finding out about family values and catering for these within their practice, identifying and using strategies when core values differed.
“Observing and listening” are seen as valid strategies for learning. Kaiako use this idea as a lens to analyse learning episodes and to explain learning strategies to others, finding particular relevance to second-language learners. They employ strategies for the intercultural exchange of ideas within the teaching team and with parents, whānau, and children, which include asking children:
- How do you feel when someone speaks to you in their language?
- Who do you play with?
- How do you feel when you meet someone who doesn’t speak your language?
Mitchell, L., Bateman, A., Ouko, A., Gerrity, R., Lees, J., Matata, K., . . . Xiao, W. (2015). Teaching and learning in culturally diverse early childhood settings.
Lees, J. (2016). One centre’s approach to supporting cross-cultural understanding and contribution. Early Childhood Folio, Vol 20, No 1, pp. 15–19.
About this resource
In reflecting on their multicultural community, and in response to changing demographics, this kindergarten developed strategies for intercultural exchange, including finding out about family values.