Page 5 - LESSION 20.pmd

Understanding Diversity

Many a times, it has been observed that children struggle to follow the teaching
taking place in the class due to the divide between home and school language.
Only when the medium of instruction in the school is the same as the one used Notes
at home, can learning become effective. That is when the drop out rate will
fall. The divide between the medium of instruction and home language must
be overcome by teachers gradually by respecting and accepting the home
language and building upon the strength in one language to facilitate the
learning of the second and third language.

We all use language to communicate with each other, but persons who cannot
hear properly use sign language to communicate. Similarly, persons with vision
difficulties use Braille script to write and take notes. Thus, we can say that
another dimension of multilingualism is recognizing and valuing sign language
and Braille as a medium of communication just like any other language of the
country.
Ethnicity: Ethnicity refers to belonging to a social group with common regional
and cultural traditions. This factor greatly impacts textbooks, curriculum,
pedagogy as well as the school's day-to-day functioning. Each ethnic group has
its own customs, art and artefacts, clothing style etc. The child belonging to
these groups brings diverse and rich experiences to the classroom which can
enrich the peers as well. These local customs and traditions have direct bearing
on the education system. The textbook, curriculum, school working days,
scheduling of holidays, school timings, medium of instruction etc are all
affected by ethnicity. It is also important to integrate the wide range of cultural
arts and artefacts in the curriculum and the everyday routines of the classroom.

The school administration and the teacher need to find ways and means to
facilitate the learning experience of all children enrolled and acknowledge their
ethnicity.
The teacher can organize special festivals, food day, dress day, story day, invite
parents and give out activity sheets, to sensitise children about the different
ethnic groups in the class.

Gender: The layman understands gender as male and female. Gender needs
to be understood in terms of social and cultural identity associated with being
a boy or a girl. 'Sex' is a term closely related and often used interchangeably
with gender. Sex is a biological characteristic whereas gender is a social
characteristic. Biological characteristic of sex is determined by genes, hormones
and male-female reproductive organs.

Understanding gender in terms of social cultural identity involves realizing the
expected social characteristics and behaviors expected from a boy or a girl.
Children’s toy preferences are significantly related to parental sex-typing, such
as girls playing with dolls and boys participating in sports. In the Indian context,

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 189