Implementing+an+Indigenous+Perspective

[|Implementing an Aboriginal Perspective into any everyday early childhood environment] provides a useful resource of ideas for teachers in embracing Aboriginal culture and heritage in early childhood programs, and thereby ‘making a clear commitment to the inclusion of Aboriginal children and their families’ (Wilson, 2008, p. 1). The article discusses the inclusion of indigenous culture and heritage in everyday experiences, and provides a range of straightforward suggestions for activities and resources that provide positive, interesting and sensitive experiences in the recognition and celebration of indigenous Australians. Subjects include:
 * storytelling, as a very important part of Aboriginal culture;
 * books;
 * music and music making;
 * puzzles;
 * construction;
 * games;
 * imaginative play;
 * cooking; and
 * nature.

A case study about implementing an indigenous program in a childcare setting is also included.

For students who will not study indigenous education as part of their degree, it provides a straightforward overview of activities that may be appropriate and which should not cause offence to Aboriginal people.

The article comes from Childcare and Children’s Health, a publication developed as part of a national program at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne to provide ‘current expert advice on child health and wellbeing and current policies and practices for those who work with young children and their families’ (Wilson, 2008, p. 1). All editions of this publication can be downloaded from the [|Early Childhood Connections] website. Many articles are accompanied by parent fact sheets which are provided in a number of different languages. Indexes are provided for each publication. At a glance there are a number of articles that would be useful teaching resources in an inclusive setting including:


 * [|Autism Spectrum Disorders];
 * [|Collaborations and Early Childhood Education and Care];
 * [|Moving towards integrated education and care in early childhood services];
 * [|Partnership with families - some ways to go about it];
 * [|Working with culturally and linguistically diverse families]; and
 * [|Inclusion: role of childcare staff in making connections with families].


 * References**

Early Childhood Connections 2011, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, viewed 27 July 2011, [|http://www.ecconnections.com.au]

Wilson, G 2008, ‘Implementing an Aboriginal Perspective into any everyday early childhood environment’, Childcare and Children’s Health, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 1-4, viewed 27 July 2011, []