Glen Education Oakleigh South
Embedding Cultural Responsiveness
By Glen Oakleigh South Educational Team
Cultural responsiveness is at the heart of our educational practice. It’s about valuing multiple cultural ways of knowing, being, and doing, celebrating diversity, and creating environments where every child feels seen, respected, and has a deep sense of belonging. This term, we’ve continued to strengthen our commitment by weaving cultural identity and inclusive practices into meaningful, everyday experiences.
Me & My Culture Journal: Stories That Connect Us
This term, we introduced our Me & My Culture Journal — a wonderful initiative transforming how we understand and celebrate the diversity within our kindergarten community. Educators began by sharing stories about their own cultures, family traditions, and values, modelling openness, vulnerability, and cultural pride.
The journal then travels home with each child, inviting families to contribute their own stories, recipes, photos, drawings, and special traditions. These contributions are shared during yarn times, giving every child a platform to express their world with peers. This simple yet powerful initiative nurtures belonging, strengthens cultural identity, and deepens our collective understanding of one another.
From Curiosity to Connection: Learning Through Food
One of the most heartwarming moments this term emerged during lunchtime when a child from a Mexican background noticed a dosa (an Indian dish) in a friend’s lunchbox. That spark of curiosity led to rich conversations about favourite foods from home — and naturally evolved into a hands-on dosa-making experience for the whole group.
Building on this interest, we created a Cooking Around the World dramatic play area, where children engage in pretend play by preparing and sharing foods from different cultures. Through this space, children explore recipes, utensils, and food traditions while learning about diversity in a playful, imaginative way.
Creating a Culturally Rich, Inclusive Learning Environment
Our learning environment is intentionally designed to reflect the diversity of our children, families, and community. From multicultural storybooks and cooking experiences to puzzles, and Indigenous artworks, our environment offers daily opportunities for children to explore and celebrate different cultures and perspectives. We ensure our resources represent diverse backgrounds, abilities, and family structures — including dolls of varying skin tones, inclusive picture books, and puzzles featuring children of all abilities and cultures.
Through books, yarn times, and daily interactions, we support children to think critically about fairness, empathy, and kindness. Children are empowered to set personal boundaries respectfully and share their thoughts about fairness, feelings, and friendship. Through scaffolding, role-modelling, and intentional language such as “Was that fair?” or “How do you think they felt?”, children are learning about their rights and the rights of others.
These consistent practices help nurture children’s understanding of fairness, empathy, and social responsibility. This sends a strong, ongoing message: everyone belongs here.
Indigenous Perspectives Through Kaya
Our children have developed a strong connection with Kaya, our persona doll representing Aboriginal culture. Through Kaya’s stories, songs, and conversations, children learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives — including connection to Country, caring for the land, and respecting Indigenous traditions.
We begin each day with an Acknowledgement of Country and frequently engage with Indigenous stories, art, and outdoor experiences, ensuring First Nations perspectives are meaningfully embedded within our program.
Partnering with Families
Families are essential partners in creating our inclusive, culturally responsive community. Through ongoing conversations, the Me & My Culture Journal, and family-led experiences, we continue to strengthen connections and celebrate the rich cultural backgrounds that shape our kindergarten. Recently, Lenny’s mum joined us to set up our very first garden bed with the children — a beautiful example of shared learning and connection.
At Glen OSK, cultural responsiveness isn’t a one-time initiative — it’s an evolving, lifelong practice woven into every part of our daily learning experiences. Through curiosity, respect, and shared celebration, we’re creating a learning community where every child feels proud of who they are, and where diversity is embraced as a strength.