1.

According to Outcome 1 Children develop knowledgeable and confident self identities by

promote in all children a strong sense of who they are and their connectedness to others –
a shared identity as Australians. ensure all children experience pride and confidence in
their achievements. share children’s successes with families. show respect for diversity,
acknowledging the varying approaches of children, families, communities and cultures.
acknowledge and understand that children construct meaning in many different ways.
demonstrate deep understanding of each child.

1.3

Mutual respect for diversity. Educators can encourage a positive environment by

inviting diversity into the service. For example, providing a range of opportunities
forchildren and their families to share their personal stories creates an atmosphere of
cultural respect and acknowledgement of diversity.

Make a point of acknowledging where all the children in the group come from by simply
hanging a map and tagging locations with the child’s name and country of origin.
· Showcase a country each week or month and take the opportunity to invite
parents to share words or phrases from their language, songs, music, food, traditional
dance and costumes.
· Celebrate culturally diverse calendar events throughout the year.
· Display and make accessible multicultural and multilingual resources.

1.7

Cultural Awareness is the foundation of communication and it involves the ability of standing
back from ourselves and becoming aware of our cultural values, beliefs and perceptions.

1.8

A commonly used definition of cultural safety is that an environment that is spiritually, socially
and emotionally safe, as well as physically safe for people; where there is no assault challenge
or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need.

2.1

a)

I am Sirisha Assistant Educator of childcare). Honest, reliable, open-minded, Values –

fairness, religious beliefs and care, Cultural beliefs – commitment to family .
b)

It is common that diverse cultures have their own celebrations and practice their own
rituals. These contribute to the development of self-identity and become a part of our
culture.
For example: Fasting during Indian festival, gives a sense of purity and gratitude .

my mother tried to instill into me and my sisters that we always use our manners, be
polite when talking to other people and to respect your elders.

My husband has been the biggest influence in my life teaching me trust and life skills.

c)

Language: Language is a method that human used for communication and writing. Every
culture or nation have their own language.

attitudes towards time: Attitudes towards time means importance of time in every
culture and it may differ between cultures in often quite significant ways.

Space/proximity:Proximity is communicated e.g through the use of space, distance,

touching and body position. The use of space, distance between people and the options
for touch are closely related and culture specific.

D)

 Building relationships with people from many different cultures.

 Ask people questions about their cultures, customs, and views.
 Read about other people's culture's and histories
 Listen to people tell their stories
 Notice differences in communication styles and values; don't assume that the majority's
way is the right way
 Risk making mistakes
 Learn to be an ally

e)

: Show empathy and care at all times

: Good communication skills and appropriate communication at all times
: Be cool calm and collected at all times
: Be friendly and polite at all times
: Willing to interact and listen to what the person has to say
: Have good people skills
: Have a good understanding about the person's culture
: Ask questions relevant to the culture
: Pass on knowledge about the culture
:

How might our views of culture affect our relationships with children and families? ƒ Might we
sometimes advantage some children and families and disadvantage others? ƒ Do our interactions with
families show that we respect and value them as they are, or ‘as we would like them to be’? ƒ Does our
environment reflect a genuine knowledge about the cultures of the children in our care? ƒ Are our
representations of cultures in books, images and artefacts contemporary and inclusive, or do they fall
into stereotypes? ƒ How can we share stories and understandings about Australia’s First Peoples and
about others who have journeyed to this place?

f)

These are experiences I have seen change since commencing as a family day care
educator.
- Singing songs in different languages- there has been a vast increase of this experience
being included into my program and planning.
- Adding foods on the menu from different cultures.
- Providing different costumes from different countries for the children to dress up in.
- Providing resources and equipment that promote different culture.
For e.g. adding multicultural foods in home corner, using multicultural dolls during play
time, displaying posters that promote cultural diversity.
- Reading stories which include images from different countries.

2.2

When reflecting on your self-identity it is important to understand that as adults, our

beliefs and values have been formed over time through our own experiences, upbringing,
families and surrounding community. Values from childhood are often carried on into
adult hood, such as:
• Importance of family and education
• Importance of talking over issues and concerns
• Importance of being open and honest
At long day care service sometimes we meet children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
When they start attending the service they will be in the same situation. That time we
need to Working together to care for children is the best way for early childhood services
and families to support children’s mental health. Families and staff can help to create a
bridge between home and early childhood services. When the adults responsible for
children take a positive interest in what happens at their service, it helps children feel
more at home when they are there. It also makes it easier to pick up any concerns early
when they are easiest to resolve. Then we know that A sense of belonging has been found
to help protect children against mental health problems and improve their learning.
Children who feel that they belong are happier; more relaxed and have fewer behavioural
problems than others. They are also more motivated and more successful learners. So
Making friends and having positive relationships with staff helps children develop a sense
of belonging at their early childhood service. 