Understand the value of play in promoting children’s learning and development
Table of Contents
Case Study
Maria is a childminder working in a busy city. She cares for 4 children aged 18 months, 2 years, 3½ years and 4 years. The 4-year-old little boy has to wear his head covered due to his family religion; he wears a Patka (a type of small turban worn by those of the Sikh religion). The 3 year old girl does not want him to wear it as she has overheard her mother making some negative comments about the child’s parents and religion.
Maria decides it is a lack of knowledge and understanding that is causing the problem and knows that children learn a lot and accept a lot through play situations. Therefore, Maria decides to buy some material and some Indian clothing for the children to have in a role play box that they can use regularly. She puts the box with the new things in on a lower shelf this particular week and informs all the parents that they will be exploring other cultures, including religion, food and stories.
The children happily play with the new items and get very involved in the cooking activities that have been prepared for them. The 3 year old stops grabbing the little boy’s head covering and starts wearing one herself. At collection time her mother laughs, starts to look at the photos of their playing at being Indian and Sikh, and tastes the food. She interacts with the little boy’s parents far more comfortably.
- Do you think this was a good approach?
- What else could Maria have done to encourage an inclusive approach?
- Is it Maria’s role to educate the parents?
- What impact do you think knowledge of other cultures has on young children?
It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.