Quote:
Originally Posted by Kathie
I was once asked why we were covering chinese new year, my reply was to cover the multicultural aspect in the setting, their reply was " have you any chinese children if not then why are you doing it" feedback please as we are covering it on Thursday rebels!!!!
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You should have replied that you were/are celebrating Chinese New Year for the same reason you watch tv/film, read books or do anything in life - to learn.
I lived abroad for many many years, and to learn of others cultures, festivities, celebrations etc is to get to know them better than we think we already do. Learning of others (whether they are from your own culture etc), helps us all understand each other better, respect each other and live in harmony 'side by side' the world over.
On top of that, it's actually good to share and take ideas from each others' cultures/festivals and celebrations; you may not have a child from 'certain' cultures today, but tomorrow you may have. The children you have in the setting need to learn of different cultures and ethinicity of people and accept everyone for who they are. They need to learn that they live in (the UK, in this case) is a multi-cultural county and everyone should be treated with respect and equality.
Children love learning of others around the world (as well as the UK) looking at globes, maps and photographs, crafts, artefacts, trying out food anytime of the year and joining in celebrations is a good introduction. Children are very accepting, but need good role models to keep their openess on the world.
What a shame, those that asked you this question only do such things only 'if they have to'. I really did think people (especially practitioners if they are) knew better, they seem to be stuck in 'the world is flat' syndrome.
If they are current practitioners, they need to go on a course pronto - it is unaceptable that they are even thinking this way.