Unifying via Verbal Expressions: An Examination of Linguistic Belonging
In the heart of a vibrant community, Hillcrest Kindergarten is pioneering an innovative approach to early childhood education. With a focus on inclusivity and cultural diversity, the educators at the kindergarten are extending learning opportunities for students by exploring the potential of using multiple books in different languages.
The families at Hillcrest Kindergarten are proud and honoured to share their languages and cultures with teachers when asked. This cultural exchange has proven to be a valuable resource, fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing for children at the kindergarten.
Amanda Cloke, an educator at Hillcrest Kindergarten, has found that seeing language in one's own culture is essential for families. She was enlightened by the reaction of Chinese parents in the kindergarten, who were deeply moved by a learning story written in a student's native language. Louise Treweek, another educator, mentions that incorporating cultural language in students' portfolios enhances the voice and representation of the child.
The use of bicultural and multicultural environments in education, as observed at Hillcrest Kindergarten, can have a significant impact on students' engagement and learning. According to Cloke, inclusive language in education can create a sense of belonging for students and families, which is crucial for fostering a strong learning environment.
The Teaching and Learning Research Initiative Fund from government funding, managed by the New Zealand Council for Education Research, supports the work at Hillcrest Kindergarten. The educators are working on a booklet to help teachers incorporate cultural language in students' portfolios, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all children.
Including diverse languages in the classroom not only validates children's cultural identities but also supports their cognitive and academic growth. Exposure to multiple languages and cultures through inclusive language supports cognitive flexibility, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced memory. Children who experience linguistic diversity early tend to have better executive function, which is linked to academic success.
Moreover, inclusive language helps children learn that multiple viewpoints and ways of doing things exist. This encourages children to question assumptions and develop tolerance and adaptability, which are key for thriving in diverse environments.
Multilingual greetings and instructions, culturally diverse books and songs, collaborative multicultural activities, and language support embedded in the curriculum are some examples of inclusive language practices in multicultural kindergartens. These practices foster a richer, more supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and motivated to learn.
Amanda Cloke encountered a book called "Leo the Late Bloomer" in Mandarin, which greatly interested students who spoke Mandarin as their first language. This example underscores the importance of using books in students' native languages to enhance the voice and representation of the child.
By embracing inclusive language, Hillcrest Kindergarten is laying the foundation for lifelong respect for diversity and equipping children with social, cognitive, and emotional skills essential for success in an interconnected world.
Education and self-development are deeply intertwined with personal growth at Hillcrest Kindergarten, as the educators collaborate with families to integrate the children's native languages into their learning materials, fostering a sense of belonging and cognitive growth.
The use of books in students' native languages, such as "Leo the Late Bloomer" in Mandarin, serves as a powerful tool for Representing the child's voice and promoting personal growth through education and self-development.
