Chapter 6 Embracing a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse World

from Effective Practices in Early Chldhood by Sue Bredekamp

Defining Culture

• • •

Culture

refers to both explicit and implicit values, beliefs, and patterns of behavior that are passed on from generation to generation (Day, 2005;NAEYC, 2009a).

• Children learn the values, beliefs, and expectations for behavior from their cultural group.

Culture

shapes and influences every child’s development and learning (Bronfenbrenner, 1979, 2004; Rogoff, 2003).

Culture

and development-on how they are nurtured (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000). has a hug influence on how children experience their growth from Effective Practices in Early Chldhood by Sue Bredekamp

Culture Influences Behavior

• Acculuration is the process whereby children learn expected rules of behavior.

• Some cultural rules are explicitly taught, such as “hold the fork in your right hand and the knife in your left” or vice versa.

• Children learn many cultural rules from adults or other children through modeling.

• In fact, what is considered appropriate behavior, thinking, or problem solving in a given situation is always culturally determined (E. W. Lynch 2004).

from Effective Practices in Early Chldhood by Sue Bredekamp

How Culture Functions: Principles to Keep in Mind

• Everyone has a culture, and is a product of one or more cultural groups.

• Culture is dynamic.

• Culture, language, ethnicity, and race are aspects of experience that influence people’s beliefs and values.

• Differences within a cultural group may be as great as, or greater than, differences between cultural groups.

• Culture is defined in terms of differences among groups and is complicated by issues of power and status.

from Effective Practices in Early Chldhood by Sue Bredekamp

Understanding Your Own Cultural Perspective: Become Aware of Your Own Cultural Experiences

• What stories have you heard about your ancestors or relatives living in other parts of the world?

• How do you identify yourself culturally? Do you feel a connection to your cultural background?

• Do you or does anyone in your family speak a language other than English? What language(s) do you speak?

• Are there rituals, traditions, or holidays that reflect your family’s heritage?

• How does your family express affection?

• How do your family members communicate?

• Can you think of advice or sayings that guided behavior in your family?

from Effective Practices in Early Chldhood by Sue Bredekamp

Cultural Competence

• Cultural competence is the ability to work effectively across cultural groups (Olsen et al., 2007, p. 2) and to work respectfully with those who are different from oneself.

from Effective Practices in Early Chldhood by Sue Bredekamp

Some Characteristics of Cultural Competence

• An awareness of their own cultural perspectives • Appreciation and respect for individuals from other cultures.

• A belief that cross-cultural interactions should be viewed as learning opportunities rather than challenges.

• An ability to identify and use cultural resources.

• An appreciation for the integrity and value of all cultures.

• Willingness to continue to try to understand other people’s perspectives.

• Flexibility and a sense of humor.

• Comfort with uncertainty.

from Effective Practices in Early Chldhood by Sue Bredekamp