Hope this helps..
Every activity on offer should reflect the diversity of culture that is, on the first hand in the immediate environment. Then depending on how the activity extends itself can encorporate culture from the wider community.
Ethnicity, beliefs, dress, preferences, home, diet, illness, thoughts, opinions .. and much more !
Providing culturally & developmentally appropriate activities isn't so much preparing an activity to specifically look at culture, rather it's to include the very many cultural diversities that are around & a part of us.
If a child were to present an object in Pre School,
It could be used to look at and explore a specifically cultural issue or it could be shown/seen by others and their own individuality allowed to develop the discussion.
Either or both of these options can be used when everyone is considered at a stage where the information and answers given is suitable for age & development.
The Child who owns the object may not be happy to share and discuss it with others - it may have a very specific use and meaning to them.
Their point of view and reasoning is of paramount importance .. if the situation/stage of development is right, they can be helped to understand that by bringing it to pre school it has the chance of drawing attention of others and may invite thier cultural views, opinions and thoughts on it.
The explanation at the top of this page is good -
Culturally appropriate delivery
Some points to consider - from Tameside.gov.uk uses a Q & A format for Parents but it can also be used to help evaluate activities and practices to see if they are culturally & developmentally appropriate.
Supporting learning in activities include encouragement, patience, praise and by being interested.
These are a few possible planning/policy/areas of learning ideas ...
Food activities - Culturally appropriate considers all the needs of those who will or might take part in the activity.
Craft activities - Culturally appropriate may mean cancelling/adapting or changing direction of a craft activity if someone is poorly, has a skin allergy or maybe dislikes the activity intention/materials.
Books - Culturally approproiate may take into account the wishes of others in not being part of a story book session.
Toys and Activities (games, jigsaws, pictures) - should be culturally appropriate in reflecting the diversity of Children attending, parents, staff and anyone else appropriate to your setting.
Trips and Outings - A concensus of opinion on where & what trips are arranged should be done to ensure culturally appropriate decisions are made.
Staff meetings - should be Culturally appropriate by requesting a list from everyone about which wine & biscuits to take along
lol, times and venue may be a consideration for cultural inclusion.
This has gone off topic sorry, I hope it all helps, loo-lar please let us know how it goes
