Biculturalism in earlychildhood centres
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2001000716
Assignment 3 ECE Biculturalism
As recently as 20 years ago the word biculturalism was merely a word banded about by those involved in social policy debate. Now however, biculturalism is part of every New Zealanders daily life (Flavell, 2001, Richie, 1992). everything we do, everything we are, must be considered and reconsidered in terms of it (Richie, 1992, p.6).
Within this essay the term biculturalism and its meaning within Aotearoa/ New Zealand shall be discussed, as well as the benefits of implementing bicultural practice brings to children within early childhood centres their parents/caregivers, and early childhood educators. Designs for the implementation of bicultural environments within an early childhood setting as it pertains to infants, toddlers and young child shall be discussed as well as a check list to ensure that the needs of every New Zealand child regardless of race or ethnicity are being met.
Within Aotearoa/New Zealand the term bicultural refers to the two main cultural groups which make up our society. These are the indigenous Maori people and the dominant New Zealand Pakeha culture (Flavell, 2001).
It is important to keep in mind that both the indigenous culture of Maori and the dominant Pakeha culture are distinctly different, however, within New Zealand biculturalism refers to the acknowledgement, sharing and understanding of each others cultures, with all parties treated with respect and consideration. All people should have the right to decide for themselves how much or how little of each culture they participate in...