27 Mar 2012
During the week leading up to Harmony Day, we used stories such as, Whoever You Are, Jungle Drums, Giraffe's Can't Dance and Dandelion to introduce the concept that everyone, in our country as well as all over the world are the same in all things that matter (hearts are the same, love is the same, hurts are the same etc.) We also discussed that we all have differences that make us special and we need to celebrate these, including different looks, cultures, homes, families (how boring life would be if we were all the same!) We also used the stories to talk about ‘caring for everyone', why we shouldn't tease / exclude someone just because they may be different from us and the importance of helping others.
During this term, we have had a special learning centre in our preschool room called "Children from Around the World." Children have been able to use the interactive world map to find out information about how children in other countries live, the special features of other countries and the different languages spoken around the world. The learning centre also includes ‘children from around the world' blocks and a space with resources depicting some features of our country, Australia and also the country of Africa.
Every morning during our welcome circle, the preschool have been singing ‘hello' to each other. This special song teachs us how to say Hello in 15 different languages! The Thursday – Friday preschool group attended their first ‘big school' assembly on Harmony Day (Friday the 16/3/2012) and put on a fantastic performance of the ‘Hello Song'. The children came dressed in orange and ordered a special lunch from the canteen's multicultural menu.
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
