Transitions- valuing and understanding home culture
Families who migrate experience transitions at many levels, and currently all children are experiencing transitions amid the Covid-19 Pandemic. This is a great resource for early childhood education, from Education Scotland, on transitions in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic. https://drive.google.com/…/1RIT_iZuh-rn7cBnmEn-D8C4bfJ…/view Transitioning back into early years settings brings new opportunities to connect with families, and …
National Flowers
These ideas around the theme of national flowers are a great way to help children learn about the different flowers of their own heritage, and those in their wider families’ and friends’ heritage. These activities also encourage outdoor learning and exploring different forms of storytelling. Here’s the introduction to our family group themed around national …
Adventures and bear hunts
‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ is a much-loved, classic children’s story by Michael Rosen. Here it is, read by the author… Have you hunted for bears in windows on a daily walk during lockdown? Journeys and adventures are a part of life for many children who have migrated. With your children, can you think …
Jan Amos Komenský (Comenius) and Play
Much can be learned in play that will afterwards be of use when the circumstances demand it Jan Amos Komenský (Comenius), Czech educator, 1592-1670 We moved to South Africa when I was 5 years old, and a lot of my memories there are around play. My sister and I spent hours in our sunny garden, …
Cultural treasures: Easter eggs
People in many countries across Europe make special eggs with beautiful colours for Easter. You will need: Eggs Your favourite way of colouring/ painting these eggs. That might include with paint, or food colouring or something else. Activity method: Can parents/ grandparents teach about painting eggs from your culture? How do you prepare the eggs? …
Cultural treasures: Easter basket
In some countries across Europe, there is a tradition to fill a basket for Easter and take it to a Priest to bless. There are often lots of special foods in this basket, and it is a great time with families to celebrate together. How do you celebrate Easter? Do you have an Easter Basket? …
Cultural treasures: Music collection
This activity celebrates different songs that are important to us, and helps to share more about different cultures and languages. You will need: Any old, scratched CDs that could be given to children to play with (check they are not unsafe if they are damaged). Children can explore texture, the light reflecting on them and …
Cultural treasures: Treasure Jar
This activity gives time to reflect on what is important to you. You can make a treasure souvenir which can be used to help others learn about your culture and background. Depending on the age of the children taking part you can adapt it to drawing or writing on strips of paper. You will need: One …
Coronavirus pandemic: Changes, challenges and cultural treasures
It has been a while since I’ve written a blog post because of everything happening with the Coronavirus pandemic. Transitions can often take time to adapt to, even when it is a transition into your own home. New routines, new work styles and a new reality to adjust to can bring unsettling emotions and difficult …