Multicultural Perspectives in Early Childhood Education

B341: Multicultural Perspectives in Early Childhood Education 20120825 Paula Ann Signal The purpose of this essay is to critically examine the multicultural perspectives of Te WhÄ riki (Ministry of Education [MOE], 1996), the early childhood education curriculum of Aotearoa. In order to accomplish this, I will examine the term ‘multiculturalism’, its place in early childhood education and its historical context, and the concepts of individualistic and collectivist approaches to childrearing practices. I will explore the diverse cultural values and beliefs of Te Ao MÄ ori, Pasifika people, and Indigenous people of Australia, and endeavour to unpack such cultural practices in regards to Te WhÄ riki (MOE, 1996). Helder CÄ mara (1971) once†¦show more content†¦3 B341: Multicultural Perspectives in Early Childhood Education 20120825 Paula Ann Signal Bell (2005) believes that Aotearoa offers a sense of nurturing and freedom â€Å"from traditional communal life.. (and more) work and educational opportunities† (p.15) for people from different nations of the Pacific. Immigrants to Aotearoa from the Cook Islands, SÄ moa, Niue, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu and smaller Pacific nations, are formerly identified as people of Pasifika (Pasifika in New Zealand, 2013). The word ‘Pasifika’ derives from the Latin phrase â€Å"Mare Pacificum... peaceful sea† (Perrot, 2004), and each nation of Pasifika peacefully embraces strength in its identity (Glasgow, 2010). McKenzie (2011) suggests there are many layers that make up the cultural values and beliefs of Pasifika people – layers that are strongly based around traditional protocols and â€Å"family environments, village, church and the wider community context† (McKenzie, 2011). 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