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Clothing, culture, identity and status

The topic for this case is clothing practices in diverse contexts. However, the goal is to encourage reflection on how, in your role as an early childhood teacher, you can uphold and safeguard the best interests of the child.

Reflection

Why might clothing practices present challenges in multicultural groups? Keep this question in mind as you watch the films and continue your reflections.

Film 1 – Clothing, culture, identity and status

Reflection

What do you think? If the plan was to go out, should we stick to the plan or stay inside? Why should we choose the one or the other? What is seen as the preferred choice in your country / in your educational setting?

Film 2 – Clothing, culture, identity and status

Reflection

Reflect on and discuss the options presented in the video. Should the kindergarten teacher stay inside or go out with the whole group? Or go outside and let the child experience the weather conditions, or let the child borrow extra clothes and appropriate footwear?

What new dilemmas might emerge from each of these approaches? In this context, what might it mean for children to be heard and to have the opportunity to influence their own situation (cf. the Convention on the Rights of the Child)?

Film 3 – Clothing, culture, identity and status

Reflection

Reflect on the dilemmas and suggest possible solutions to the questions raised in the video. How to avoid that some families feel positioned as families in need of charity?

How are views concerning normality defining early childhood education?

What new dilemmas may arise related to the different solutions concerning clothing practices?

How could you draw on intercultural competence and pedagogical discretion to respond in these situations?

Film 4 – Clothing, culture, identity and status

Reflection

Reflect on the dilemmas presented in the videos above and discuss possible solutions. 

What have you learned through the work on this case about …

  • yourselves?
  • others?
  • cultural sensitivity in early childhood education?