Page 1 - LESSION 20.pmd

Understanding Diversity

Notes
20

UNDERSTANDING DIVERSITY

In a classroom we come across children from different backgrounds, of varying
abilities, interests, attitudes and aptitudes. Despite the apparent similarities and
the fact that they behave like a group, each child is unique and has an individual
learning style and learning needs. The classroom is home to children from
different regions, cultures, religions, languages, socio-economic backgrounds
and traditions. It is vital for all the players in an ECCE programme to make
themselves familiar with varying learning needs and understanding their
implications for planning and implementing day-to-day teaching learning
activities.

In this lesson, you will study the basic aspects of diversity and various factors
leading to diversity. You will also study the impact and significance of diversity
on educational needs and its implications on making an ECCE programme
accessible to and equitable for all children.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
• define diversity;

• explain different factors leading to diversity and their implications;
• discuss differences in home language and the medium of instruction in
school;
• describe influences of gender and caste stereotypes on children’s
development; and

• discuss ways to promote equitable participation of all in learning and play.

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 185