Multiculturalism is a big topic and one that we do not take lightly. Often when the word ‘multiculturalism’ is heard, it evokes values such as inclusion and acceptance. Child care programs around the city are beginning to embrace multicultural activities. What does this mean for your children and how is it beneficial?
At Tiny Hoppers Richmond East, we believe value is brought to our program because every individual and family contributes a set of family values and cultural traditions that allows us to grow beyond our current living standard. A concept from John Locke about the educationalist theory states that children were born as a blank slate; that their experiences after birth molded their life. This theory has many arguments and opinions about whether children really are blank slates. But for the sake of the topic of cultural learning, we can agree that children are impressionable and as their care givers, we are tasked with the important job of fostering their view of the world.
In our child care program, we often hear questions about the color of hair, skin, eyes, textures of hair and colors of clothing. As an adult, these questions can be seen as rude and spoken without care. However, children are making observations and trying to make sense of where they fit in their immediate environment. Educators at Tiny Hoppers Richmond East encourage these questions and address them as matter-of-fact. When we state things as they are without hushed tones and nuances in our response, children learn that the answers to their questions are facts. Our team ensures information shared does not carry prejudices or personal opinions. Children asking about hair textures are simply told that every child is unique in their own way. I may have wavy black hair but my teaching partner may have straight red hair. Characteristics that describe us but do not define us to any category.
When a child is allowed to freely question the world, we are giving them the best chance to come to their own conclusions without an adults’ bias. Educators at Tiny Hoppers Richmond East believe in fostering independent thinkers and inquisitive learners.
Your partner-in-learning,
Fiona Abbas-Lee
