Language In Valuing Diversity

For this essay, I will focus on the importance of the role of communication and language in valuing diversity in the Early Years’ setting. The role of communication is vital in all aspects of life but even more so in the Early Years’ setting. It allows a connection to be formed between the teacher, parents or guardians and especially the child in all walks of life. Using points from Aistear, Síolta and further research, I will discuss equality, diversity, language in relation to children’s communication with others and teamwork. Communication and language are a vital foundation for valuing diversity in the Early Years’ setting. It enables the children to communicate with others from all walk of life in a positive way. ‘Diversity relates to

However, we are all ‘unique individuals’. (Ellis, 2014 LectureNotes) Diversity steams from the word different. There is nothing wrong with being different as it allows you to stand out among the crowd. Diversity enables an individual of any age to express themselves and find their own identity in a positive way. Children in an Early Learning’ setting are of no exception. Aistear, which means ‘Journey’ in English, states the early childhood curriculum framework (2009) for children aged from birth to six years. This document helps children to grow and develop as confident and competent learners. (Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework, 2009) ‘Children’s sense of who they are is shaped by their characteristics, their behaviour, and their understanding of themselves, their family and others.’ (Aistear; Identity and Belonging, 2009, p.25) In all the above aspects of life, there are clear examples of diversity such as behaviour and family. Everyone has their own background and by teaching the children to respect others and themselves, they are forming their own understanding of the term “valuing diversity”. ‘ECCE workers who are comfortable with dealing with their own identities will be more effective in responding to the needs of others who have different identity attributes.’(Ellis, 2014 cited Thompson 2009) The theme of Identity and Belonging has four specific

It may even be certain children’s first experiences of interaction with others, outside the family, in the Early Years’ Setting. The importance of this interaction is highlighted in Síolta, which is ‘seed’ in Irish and the national quality framework for Early Childhood Education (2006). With respect to Síolta, ’Interactions between the adults within, and associated with the setting, act as a model of respect, support and partnership for the child.’ (Standard 5: Interaction, Síolta, 2006) This can play a vital role in a child’s understanding of teamwork. Teamwork is used to demonstrate the positive characteristics that are found in working together. It allows the children to explore their use of language, practice their communication skills and respect other people’s ideas. These are valuable lessons that each child can benefit from for the future and prevent stereotypical behaviour,’ responding to the individual, not the over simplified stereotype. Questioning our assumptions.’ (Thompson,