Glen Education Edithvale

Cultural Responsiveness at Glen Edithvale Kindergarten

By Jess House, Early Childhood Educator

We are culturally responsive and respectful at Glen Edithvale Kindergarten by authentically getting to know our children, families, and wider community in a meaningful way.

We see each child individually, and educators collaborate to gather information and modify our program based on these genuine findings. Educators access high-quality resources and continually rotate them to deliver sessions which are connected to the children who are enrolled at our service.

Family and Community Involvement

Families are encouraged and welcomed to share traditions, celebrations, language, song, and dress.

We were fortunate enough this term to welcome Indiana’s mum Ilona, who is from Poland, to share traditional Polish dolls, necklaces, and read a book.

Our educator San-Nan, who is Mandarin-speaking, embeds Mandarin in daily routines - counting, sharing songs, and displaying photos of her heritage.

Reconciliation Week Reflections

Our recent celebrations of Reconciliation Week opened our minds to pose questions about how different people live versus how we live.

The children enjoyed watching the AFL Dreamtime Ceremony, where we saw traditional song and dance.

“You mix rocks and water to make orange, red and white paint and they put it on their bodies.” - Eric, Age 3

“You can play catch with a Boomerang.” - Arlo, Age 4

At our service, Welcome to Country is embedded into our daily routine. Children use tapping sticks to signal group time and play our favourite game of matching native Australian animals.

"Where Are We From?" Wall

Staff continually reflect on how to further our knowledge of the children who attend our kindergarten by extending our “Where are we from?” wall.

This wall is ever-evolving and exhibits deep critical thinking from children about where we are right now, where we are in the world, and what our role is.

“My friend Carissa is from China.” - Ivy M Age 3

“My mum was born in Perth.” - Matilda, Age 4