Teachersrsquo Resource Kit 2014

Cultural Diversity Week is proudly presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission

2 CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT

Cultural Diversity Week provides an opportunity for Victorians of all ages to acknowledge the benefits that social religious and linguistic diversity bring to our state It is a time to celebrate multiculturalism denounce racism and promote social harmony and mutual respect The Victorian Multicultural Commission encourages all schools to participate in Cultural Diversity Week there are many ways that teachers can get their students involved In this resource kit we hope to provide you with some inspiration to help you plan lessons activities excursions and events to explore themes around cultural diversity

The suggested activities in this kit should be seen as a starting point for multicultural education in schools Multicultural perspectives should be embedded throughout the curriculum rather than as just a ldquoone-off rdquo event There are many authoritative sources for teaching strategies and class activities to develop inclusive curriculum A visit to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Languages and Multicultural Education Resource Centre (LMERC) is advisable for expert advice and access to a vast array of quality resources See multiculturalvicgovau to download a Detailed Resource List for teachers including curriculum plans

Multicultural Education has been mapped against the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and this mapping can be used to ensure that multicultural perspectives are included across all domains of the curriculum This mapping is available at wwwvcaaviceduau

One of the seven general capabilities highlighted in the new Australian Curriculum is intercultural understanding This newly developed curriculum emphasises the need for students to ldquolearn about and engage with diverse cultures in ways that recognise commonalities and differences create connections with others and cultivate mutual respectrdquo Cultural Diversity Week is a fitting time to highlight the learning around this capability

At the back of this document you will find a list of contact details to further assist your planning

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES AND PROJECT IDEASGUEST SPEAKERS OR PERfORmERS

Invite a guest speaker or performer to your school You could consider

bull A musician or dancer from Victoriarsquos multicultural community

bull A local business owner with an ethnic background

bull A representative from an ethnic community in your area

bull A faith leader from a local mosque church synagogue or temple

bull An Indigenous elder from your areabull A representative from your local Migrant

Resource Centre the Ethnic Communitiesrsquo Council of Victoria the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre a local Interfaith Network or the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Cultural Diversity Week 2014

Teachersrsquo Resource Kit

2 CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT

Cultural Diversity Week provides an opportunity for Victorians of all ages to acknowledge the benefits that social religious and linguistic diversity bring to our state It is a time to celebrate multiculturalism denounce racism and promote social harmony and mutual respect The Victorian Multicultural Commission encourages all schools to participate in Cultural Diversity Week there are many ways that teachers can get their students involved In this resource kit we hope to provide you with some inspiration to help you plan lessons activities excursions and events to explore themes around cultural diversity

The suggested activities in this kit should be seen as a starting point for multicultural education in schools Multicultural perspectives should be embedded throughout the curriculum rather than as just a ldquoone-off rdquo event There are many authoritative sources for teaching strategies and class activities to develop inclusive curriculum A visit to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) Languages and Multicultural Education Resource Centre (LMERC) is advisable for expert advice and access to a vast array of quality resources See multiculturalvicgovau to download a Detailed Resource List for teachers including curriculum plans

Multicultural Education has been mapped against the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and this mapping can be used to ensure that multicultural perspectives are included across all domains of the curriculum This mapping is available at wwwvcaaviceduau

One of the seven general capabilities highlighted in the new Australian Curriculum is intercultural understanding This newly developed curriculum emphasises the need for students to ldquolearn about and engage with diverse cultures in ways that recognise commonalities and differences create connections with others and cultivate mutual respectrdquo Cultural Diversity Week is a fitting time to highlight the learning around this capability

At the back of this document you will find a list of contact details to further assist your planning

INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES AND PROJECT IDEASGUEST SPEAKERS OR PERfORmERS

Invite a guest speaker or performer to your school You could consider

bull A musician or dancer from Victoriarsquos multicultural community

bull A local business owner with an ethnic background

bull A representative from an ethnic community in your area

bull A faith leader from a local mosque church synagogue or temple

bull An Indigenous elder from your areabull A representative from your local Migrant

Resource Centre the Ethnic Communitiesrsquo Council of Victoria the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre a local Interfaith Network or the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission

Cultural Diversity Week 2014

Teachersrsquo Resource Kit

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT 3

ExPLORING fAmILY AND LOCAL HISTORY

bull Develop a project about family history Students could bring in photos of family members mementos diaries or family trees histories for lsquoshow and tellrsquo or deliver a presentation about their family background The photos or mementos could be used to develop an exhibition or museum for the local school community Consider taking part in Museum Victoriarsquos Making History project which allows students to research make and share their own family or community history using a range of digital tools The project is suitable for primary and secondary students see wwwmuseumvictoriacomau

bull Research the Indigenous history of the local area Consult with the Indigenous landowners and invite them to speak to the students

bull As part of a classroom activity use proverbs and folktales (both in original languages and translated versions) from around the world and explore similarities and differences between them Units of work on using folktales in the classroom are available from LMERC (see details in Resources and Contacts List at the back of this document)

bull Develop studentsrsquo understanding of different beliefs and faith by exploring the features they share A large collection of resources on religions of the world is available for loan from LMERC

CLASS DEbATE

Hold a class debate with middle years to senior students to debate a topic of interest or importance Taking part in a debate has the potential to improve verbal communication skills and enhance confidence in public speaking argument building and persuasion It will be necessary to provide ground rules for your class if they have not participated in debating before Ensure that the ground rules are maintained and that all opinions are treated respectfully

Some relevant statementstopics for debate could include

- The root of all racism is ignorance- Cultural diversity is Victoriarsquos

greatest asset- Mandatory detention of asylum seekers - Human rights are everybodyrsquos

responsibility or- All Victorians have civic duties

WORLD ExPO

Decorate the school with promotional material maps photos faces or have a fete with stalls representing different countries or continents of the world Deepen this work by developing units of work on different aspects of multicultural education for each class level in the school This work can culminate with each class presenting some of their work to the school during Cultural Diversity Week so that the learning is highlighted and shared

DRESS UP DAY

Students could come to school in clothes that are either of cultural significance represent a country of their choice or in national flag colours Younger students could be encouraged to make a hat or head-dress from recycled materials A great way to display the different traditional forms of dress from around the world is to hold a fashion parade for all the school at which students can participate as the models with fellow students providing background information that they have researched on the represented countries

ExCURSIONS mELbOURNErsquoS CULTURAL mUSEUmS AND RESOURCE CENTRES

bull Immigration Museum Offers school excursions and the use of educational materials online services outreach kits and teacher professional development activities

4 CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT

bull Hellenic Museum Runs programs that promote understanding and appreciation for the rich cultural traditions of ancient and contemporary Greece Excursions can be arranged

bull Islamic Museum of Australia Aims to showcase the artistic heritage and historical contributions of Muslims in Australia and abroad Tours and education kits designed by teachers can be arranged

bull Chinese Museum The museum has a comprehensive education program designed by teachers across a range of subject areas Tours can be combined with various cultural workshops and demonstrations The Travelling Chinese Museum can even visit your school

bull COASIT CoAsIt Resource Centre recreates a little piece of Italy for teachers of Italian students of Italian and for whoever has a passion for Italy its language culture and history The library supports the educational needs of teachers and students of Italian from pre-school to tertiary level and has a comprehensive selection of resources

bull Koorie Heritage Trust Aims to protect preserve and promote the living culture of Aboriginal people of south-eastern Australia The Trust offers educational programs and cultural tours

LOCAL CULTURAL PRECINCTS

Visit a cultural precinct or area of cultural significance in Melbourne or regional Victoria If you are making the trip into Melbourne the City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around the city The tram travels a circuit of the CBD and links with other trams train and light rail services The tram will take you within easy walking distance of significant cultural attractions like the Immigration Museum Lygon Street Italian precinct Lonsdale Street Greek precinct Birrarung Marr and Little Bourke Street Chinatown and Chinese Museum

Other culturally and linguistically diverse precincts in greater Melbourne include Asian precincts in Glen Waverley Richmond Box Hill Footscray and Springvale the Jewish precinct in Carlisle St St Kilda the Greek precinct in Oakleigh the Turkish precinct in Broadmeadows and the Arabic precinct in Sydney Road Coburg

PLACES Of WORSHIP TOUR

The Dandenong Interfaith Network runs tours for school groups to visit places of worship for the local faith communities The tours visit a Hindu Temple a Sikh Gurdwara an Islamic Mosque a Buddhist Temple a Christian Church Indigenous sacred sites and spiritual traditions

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PERfORmANCE AND mUSICDANCE

bull Learn about different countriesrsquo dance rituals and styles and hold multicultural dancing classes either with an instructor from a community organisation a culturally diverse artist a teacher or a parent if available

bull Plan a dance performance promoting a variety of dances and music Create a program to include information about each dance including its meaning purpose costumes and tradition

SPORT

Assign groups to research particular sports and then hold a multicultural sports day where new and different sports are played throughout the day by students and teachers

mUSIC

Ask students to write and perform a rap song chant jingle or rhyme of cultural significance to them or celebrating diversity Students could perform at school assemblies multicultural concerts or family twilight activities

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT 5

ART AND CRAfTCULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK POSTER COmPETITION

The Victorian Multicultural Commission is running an art competition for Primary School Students as part of Cultural Diversity Week Allow class time for students to discuss plan and complete their entries

More information about the competition can be found at multiculturalvicgovau

fLAG-mAKING

The activity of flag-making during class provides students the chance to undertake research about the significance and symbolism of national flags and then reproduce flags from the nations of the world Students could be encouraged to use a range of artistic techniques to complete their artwork These flags can then be displayed around the school during Cultural Diversity Week and beyond with some accompanying information which reflects the studentsrsquo research

fOODbull Ask students to prepare a dish from their

familyrsquos country of origin and bring it to school for a shared multicultural lunch To alleviate the possibility of stereotyping allow students to make dishes which are family favourites and not necessarily representative of their ethnicity

bull Invite a guest from a local community organisation a teacher or a parent to show children how to make a dish from their culture If facilities permit you can have the children participate in this demonstration and make some simple dishes during school hours

EDUCATIONALCLASSROOm LEARNING

There are a number of simple ways the messages of Cultural Diversity Week can be incorporated into your school curriculum

fOR mIDDLE AND LATER YEARS STUDENTS

History ndash Explore multiculturalism and migration to Victoria in a historical context ndash you could also look at the history of genocide and racial conflict significant civil rights movements and avenues for protection of human rights in Victoria

Humanities ndash Discuss what it means to live in a multicultural society ndash look at the cultural richness of our society and the benefits this diversity brings

Political Studies ndash Explore the political systems of some of the countries that Victorians have originated from human rights in the Australian political context and the relevance of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Geography ndash Assign students to teams to research the geography of different nations around the world and present their findings to the class Nations could be chosen according to the cultural background of students or to prevent stereotyping nations could be assigned to students randomly This prevents students from feeling that they are representatives for their ethnic group

EconomicsCommerce ndash Discuss the economic contribution of migrants to Victoria or discuss international economies

Media Studies ndash Look at how multiculturalism is reported in the media How are migrants and refugees portrayed Discuss the meaning of bias and stereotyping and ask students to analyse some examples of biased newspaper or television reporting You could also explore the prevalence and reach of ethnic media channels

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT 5

ART AND CRAfTCULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK POSTER COmPETITION

The Victorian Multicultural Commission is running an art competition for Primary School Students as part of Cultural Diversity Week Allow class time for students to discuss plan and complete their entries

More information about the competition can be found at multiculturalvicgovau

fLAG-mAKING

The activity of flag-making during class provides students the chance to undertake research about the significance and symbolism of national flags and then reproduce flags from the nations of the world Students could be encouraged to use a range of artistic techniques to complete their artwork These flags can then be displayed around the school during Cultural Diversity Week and beyond with some accompanying information which reflects the studentsrsquo research

fOODbull Ask students to prepare a dish from their

familyrsquos country of origin and bring it to school for a shared multicultural lunch To alleviate the possibility of stereotyping allow students to make dishes which are family favourites and not necessarily representative of their ethnicity

bull Invite a guest from a local community organisation a teacher or a parent to show children how to make a dish from their culture If facilities permit you can have the children participate in this demonstration and make some simple dishes during school hours

EDUCATIONALCLASSROOm LEARNING

There are a number of simple ways the messages of Cultural Diversity Week can be incorporated into your school curriculum

fOR mIDDLE AND LATER YEARS STUDENTS

History ndash Explore multiculturalism and migration to Victoria in a historical context ndash you could also look at the history of genocide and racial conflict significant civil rights movements and avenues for protection of human rights in Victoria

Humanities ndash Discuss what it means to live in a multicultural society ndash look at the cultural richness of our society and the benefits this diversity brings

Political Studies ndash Explore the political systems of some of the countries that Victorians have originated from human rights in the Australian political context and the relevance of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities

Geography ndash Assign students to teams to research the geography of different nations around the world and present their findings to the class Nations could be chosen according to the cultural background of students or to prevent stereotyping nations could be assigned to students randomly This prevents students from feeling that they are representatives for their ethnic group

EconomicsCommerce ndash Discuss the economic contribution of migrants to Victoria or discuss international economies

Media Studies ndash Look at how multiculturalism is reported in the media How are migrants and refugees portrayed Discuss the meaning of bias and stereotyping and ask students to analyse some examples of biased newspaper or television reporting You could also explore the prevalence and reach of ethnic media channels

6 CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT

Legal Studies ndash Discuss current laws surrounding cultural diversity and human rights such as the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 the Multicultural Victoria Act 2011 the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 Students could also research human and civil rights movements around the world and international human rights law

EnglishLiterature ndash Study a range of texts including some written by Australians of migrant refugee or religious background ndash or texts that discuss culturalreligious issues Some relevant titles include

Do Anh (2010) The Happiest Refugee Allen amp Unwin

French Jackie (2011) Nanberry black brother white Angus amp Robertson

Grant Neil (2012) The Ink Bridge Allen amp Unwin

Mazari Najaf amp Hillman Robert (2008) The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif Insight Publications

Pajalic Amra (2009) The Good Daughter Text

Pung Alice (ed) (2008) Growing up Asian in Australia Black Ink

Starke Ruth (2008) Noodle Pie Omnibus

Vincent David Nyuol (2012) The Boy who wouldnrsquot die Allen amp Unwin

For more folktales traditional stories and written works on human rights refugee and global issues download the Detailed Resource List from multiculturalvicgovau

Mathematics ndash Develop an understanding about how intercultural understanding can be enhanced in mathematics

For a list of resources for incorporating global perspectives in the mathematics classroom go to multiculturalvicgovau and download the Detailed Resource List

Analyse a film ndash Select a film with relevant themes and discuss with the class LMERC holds an excellent collection of films with a human rights focus and many have teacherrsquos notes and student activities included These films are available for loan Some suggested titles include

bull Movies about racism (To Kill a Mockingbird Australian Rules)

bull Genocide (Schindlerrsquos List Diary of Anne Frank Hotel Rwanda Welcome to Sarajevo)

bull Civil and human rights movements (Mississippi Burning A Time to Kill)

and

bull Foreign films (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Motorcycle Diaries The Weeping Camel Whale Rider)

fOR EARLY YEARS STUDENTS

EnglishReading ndash Select books which demonstrate diversity with themes such as lsquobelongingrsquo or lsquofeeling differentrsquo refugeemigration experiences or folktalesstories from other cultures Discuss the themes that arise from these stories During discussion be careful not to confirm stereotypes

See multiculturalvicgovau to download a Detailed Resource List including suggested reading lists

Geography ndash Ask students to speak with their families about where their relatives originated from Display a world map in the classroom and have children place a marker on their familyrsquos country of origin

Art ndash Produce flags hats or head-dresses to represent the nationalities of the students in the class

Languages ndash Discuss history connected to the language being learned ndash eg in Italian class talk about the history of Italian migration to Australia

CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK 2014 | TEACHERSrsquo RESOURCE KIT 7

CONTACT DETAILSGUEST SPEAKERS OR PERfORmERS

Search the Victorian Multicultural Commissionrsquos Community Directory to find community contacts and details of Migrant Resource Centres in your local area multiculturalvicgovauresourcescommunity-directory

Multicultural Arts Victoria Tel +61 3 9188 3681 Web wwwmulticulturalartscomau

Ethnic Communities Council of VictoriaTel +61 3 9349 4122 Web wwweccvorgau

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre(can provide speakers from a refugee background)Tel +61 3 9326 6066 Web wwwasrcorgau

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights CommissionTel 1300 891 848 Email educationveohrcvicgovau Web wwwhumanrightscommissionvicgovau

Koorie Heritage TrustTel +61 3 8622 2600 Web wwwkoorieheritagetrustcom

ExCURSIONS

Immigration museumTel 13 11 02 Web wwwmuseumvictoriacomauimmigrationmuseum

Hellenic museum Tel +61 3 8615 9016 Web wwwhellenicorgau

Islamic museum of AustraliaEmail infoislamicmuseumorgau Web wwwislamicmuseumorgau

Chinese museumTel +61 3 9662 2888 Web wwwchinesemuseumcomau

COASIT Tel +61 3 9349 9000 Web wwwcoasitcomau

Koorie Heritage TrustTel +61 3 8622 2600 Web wwwkoorieheritagetrustcom

The Interfaith Network of the City of Greater DandenongTel +61 3 9546 8441 Web wwwinterfaithorgau

City Circle Tram visitwwwmetlinkmelbournecomaurouteview1112 and for information about whatrsquos on in the City of Melbourne visit wwwthatsmelbournecomau

In regional Victoria there are many attractions and monuments that have cultural or religious significance ndash many of these are listed at wwwvisitvictoriacom

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Languages and multicultural Education Resource Centre (LmERC)

150 Palmerston Street CARLTON Tel +61 3 9349 1418 Email lmerclibraryedumailvicgovau Web wwweducationvicgovauaboutprogramsculturesPageslmercaspx

This is the Department of Education and Early Childhoodrsquos specialist resource centre for teachers Experienced staff provide advice on resources and curriculum to support multicultural education in line with the AusVELS and the forthcoming Australian curriculum The service is provided free of charge to all Victorian school teachers LMERC holds a collection of more than 30000 resources in the following areas

bull Global multicultural and inclusive education

bull Civics and citizenship education

bull Languages other than English

bull English as an additional language

multiculturalvicgovau

Victorian Multicultural Commission

GPO Box 4698 Melbourne VIC 3001

T 03 9651 0651 F 03 9651 0612

infovmcvicgovau