Page 8 - LESSION 20.pmd

Understanding Diversity

¾ Religious Belief: These refer to beliefs related to God, creation of
humanity, rituals, festivals etc. All religions have equal rights. India is
Notes probably the only country in the world which is home to so many religions
like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism,
Zoraastrianism etc. For many people, religion is an important part of daily
life. Religious values, beliefs and customs are shaped by the family of the
child.

Children carry their experiences of religious practices from home and community
to the classrooms. Children should be encouraged not only to recognize these
differences but also to appreciate the differences. Each religion has its own set
of festivals which can be identified with their special rituals and decorations.
The diversity that exists in religious beliefs provides an opportunity to teachers
to promote the ideas of secularism and teaching children that all religions are
equal and deserve to be treated with respect. They need to be provided with
an opportunity to express themselves either through drawings, poems or stories
or verbally etc. The main festival of various religions could be discussed in the
classroom with regard to:

• when celebrated

• how celebrated
• special food prepared

• what is their role in celebrations
• how they feel during the celebrations

ACTIVITY 20.2

Create a diversity profile of your neighborhood. The following format may
be useful in creating it.

Factors of diversity Number of families
Race

Ethnicity
Gender

Religion

Cognitive style: This refers to the difference in the way children respond to
the educational interventions and assimilate learning. Each child has a particular
style of learning depending on individual personality and exposure as well as

192 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION