Religious and cultural celebrations and traditions

In several countries, national curricula state that diversity should be considered a resource in ECEC (Early Childhood Education and Care). At the same time, those working in the field experience that diversity can also present challenges. Often, the value of diversity is highlighted through celebrations of the various holidays represented by the cultural backgrounds of the children. This is concrete, practical, and relatively easy to implement. At the same time, it is often a source of disagreement and discussion among staff and between institutions and parents.

In this resource, you are encouraged to keep the keywords “culture-sensitive communication and creativity” in mind when approaching the events and dilemmas you will be presented with.

Film 1 – Religious and cultural celebrations and traditions

Reflection

Is it really the responsibility of ECEC institutions to have an overview of and mark all types of holidays, with the risk that someone might feel offended? Why or why not?

In what ways can such a “neutral” and silent approach, like the one chosen by the mentioned teacher, affect diversity, inclusion, and participation in ECEC?

Film 2 – Religious and cultural celebrations and traditions

Reflection

To what extent, and in what ways, do you think the two chosen solutions can contribute to safeguarding diversity and inclusion?

Film 3 – Religious and cultural celebrations and traditions

Reflection

How can participation and democratic principles be said to have been safeguarded in the two examples?

To what extent are the principles of inclusion and diversity as a resource safeguarded in the examples?

In both cases, parents and families were dissatisfied with the solution. Was it the solutions themselves that were the problem, or was it the processes that took place before the solutions were implemented? What do you think the two institutions could have done differently to better safeguard equality and respect, so that everyone felt heard and included?

Film 4 – Religious and cultural celebrations and traditions

Reflection

What might be the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches?

In what ways do you think culture-sensitive communication and creativity shape the different scenarios you have been presented with?

How do you envision a value-neutral ECEC institution without marking cultural and religious holidays? In what ways do you think such neutrality would affect inclusion and participation (democracy) in an ECEC characterized by diversity?

Reflect and discuss what the term “culture-sensitive communication and creativity” might entail based on the dilemmas outlined. Write down the most important viewpoints from the group.