Understanding Cultural Diversity in the Early Years
- Peter Baldock - Education Consultant, Sheffield
Inclusion/ Mainstreaming
Taking the discussion about cultural diversity beyond the usual topics of anti-racism and inclusion but without overlooking these issues, Understanding Cultural Diversity in the Early Years considers current debates around the alleged failure of multiculturalism, and encourages practitioners to utilize their own cultural backgrounds and experiences as a way of developing their teaching.
With an optimistic outlook, and focusing on the advantages for learning that cultural diversity can offer, the book discusses the concepts of culture, multi-culturalism and inter-cultural competence, and describes the principles that underpin good practice. It is packed full of case studies from a variety of early years settings, with ideas to try out and interactive exercises to aid reflection.
Issues covered in the book include:
- addressing cultural diversity in staff meetings, and on short training courses
- planning a critical audit of your setting
- working with parents from a variety of cultural backgrounds
- how to explain diversity to young children
- the overwhelmingly white British setting
- settings where white British children are in the minority
- curriculum developments in different parts of the UK, post-devolution
Written for all early childhood students and early years practitioners, it is relevant to anyone interested in inclusion, society and global citizenship.
A number of students used this text during the course. One commented 'it's very useful especially the chapter on multiculturalism' . I used it to help students debate the inclusion/exclusion of Whilte British children and families. I would recommend this book again.
Readily accessible, clear layout
This book is clearly laid out and written and gives helpful exercises for students. It is pitched at the appropriate level for students and is wideranging in content.
Thank you
The book is very focused on the UK, so it's not really suitable for use in Ireland. Many of the examples re: White Britishness and the profiles of the other cultural groups aren't so readily applicable in Ireland.
This is an accessible text that supports the students undestanding and learning.
Lots of very practical examples. This is an area that many students develop an independent interest in and this will be ideal to direct the students to.
A useful book that is easy to read. I particularly liked the exercises within the chapters.
Interesting book with good background information in the preface. Good chapter entitled"What is your culture?" exploring what it means to be English. Clear argument and counterargument on the success or failure of multiculturism. Also useful for module on inclusion.
I particularly like the way that the author identifies and addresses pertinent issues and misunderstandings head on- it's refreshing, and, I think, necessary to begin to get student's to think carefully about living and working within a diverse society
excellent resource for students studying in their first undergraduate year - especially when considering the aspect of diversity within an eaarly years environment. Particularly useful when using as a comparison to their work with parents as well
Sage College Publishing
