If I asked you … “how do you celebrate Christmas?”
What would your answer be… Do you celebrate Christmas? Or maybe your family celebrates other celebrations? Is Santa, Christmas Trees and baby Jesus relevant to your celebrations? Some of you would have yes, while others would have said no!
So, how can we ensure that Christmas in children’s services reflects these differences? Respects the diversity among our families and educators?
Firstly we need to ask families, children and educators what Christmas means to them… what is important to them, how do they celebrate it? We also need to document these conversations and one way of doing so can be via a mind map. This is a great starting point and can begin meaningful discussions with children about what Christmas means, how other families celebrate it and how it may be celebrated around the world.
We also need to consider our art and “craft” experiences. Is it appropriate for all children to have to complete a Santa stencil? Or, would it be more meaningful for children to have a range of resources to create “their Christmas”?
If we delve deeper and have meaningful conversations with families, children and educators about what is important for them, what they hold dear, what sings to their soul….. and reflect on and use this information meaningfully then we are more likely to create experiences and promote discussion about appreciation, respect, diversity and acceptance.
Christmas in early childhood could be a time where families, children and educators experience a sense of belonging, cultural safety, appreciation and joy!
How do you celebrate?
If you would like more ideas feel free to book into my webinar on 21st November at 7pm AEDT. To book: http://earlyyearstraining.com.au/events/celebrating-christmas-meaningfully/
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