Meditation, Rangoli, and Eating on the Floor

Practices from an Urban Preschool in Bangalore, India Jennifer Keys Adair and Lilly Bhaskaran

Page 1: Introduction to Cultural Practices

Growing Diversity in Early Childhood

• Diversity in US Preschools: Young children in the U.S. come from a variety of ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. As of 2008, 47% of young children belong to an ethnic or racial minority.

• Importance of Diversity: Exposure to cultural diversity benefits children, enhancing their understanding and acceptance of different backgrounds.

• Need for Authentic Experiences: Simply celebrating cultural traditions or holidays is insufficient for kids to connect meaningfully with cultures outside their immediate environment.

• India as a Source for Practices: India is highlighted for its diverse cultural practices that can enrich early childhood education.

Authors' Backgrounds

• Jennifer Keys Adair: Assistant professor with expertise in early childhood education and international studies related to culture and language.

• Lilly Bhaskaran: Veteran educator in Bangalore with over 20 years of experience and the director of Sattva Montessori.

Page 2: Silent Sitting Meditation

Implementation of Silent Sitting

• Practice Overview: Guided meditation known as silent sitting helps children relax and control their focus.

• Session Details:

  • Conducted for 8–10 minutes daily, post outdoor play.

  • Children are instructed to sit quietly with their hands on laps and focus on their breathing.

  • Activities can include visualization exercises guided by the teacher.

• Role of the Teacher: Teachers lead with creativity and mastery over language, making instructions engaging and age-appropriate.

Benefits

• Fostering Calmness & Concentration: Helps children process events and cope with stress. Silent sitting aids in cultivating focus and reducing distractions.

• Building Community: Older children support the younger ones in knowing how to participate with patience and encouragement.

Page 3: Classroom Environment and Language Diversity

Classroom Setup and Language Usage

• Language Instruction: While English is the medium of instruction, children come from multilingual backgrounds (Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam).

• Musical Integration: Use of music helps in creating an engaging atmosphere.

• Instructions in Home Languages: Encouraging the use of native phrases enhances connection and comprehension among children.

Observed Benefits

• Enhanced Attention Span: Regular participation in silent sitting improves children's concentration, contributing positively to their academic engagement and social interactions.

Page 4: Rangoli as Cultural Expression

Rangoli Overview

• Art Form Description: Rangoli involves creating intricate geometric designs on the floor, often to welcome visitors and during festivals.

• Collaborative Activity: Encourages teamwork as children work in groups, enhancing creative problem solving.

Significance of Rangoli

• Symbol of Hospitality: Traditionally serves as a warm welcome for guests and deities during festivals, reflecting India’s culture of respect and community.

• Celebration at Sattva: Children create rangoli designs during festivals like Diwali and Onam, promoting engagement with their cultural heritage.

Page 5: Eating on the Floor

Practical Aspects of Eating on the Floor

• Daily Routine: Children wash hands, prepare mats, and sit circle-style to enjoy meals, fostering community and traditional values.

• Hygiene and Cleanliness: Emphasizes cleanliness; children learn to tidy their spaces afterward, reinforcing personal responsibility.

Cultural Insights

• Contrast with Western Practices: Though initially perceived as unusual, eating on the floor carries significant cultural context in India related to community and respect for food.

• Benefits of Cross-legged Eating: Believed to enhance digestion, prevent overeating, and nurture a more mindful eating experience.

Page 6: Broaden Understanding of Cultural Practices

Importance of Cultural Inclusion

• Encouraging Flexibility: Exposing children to new cultural practices supports open-mindedness and adaptability, valuable traits for future interactions in a diverse world.

• Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Introducing unfamiliar yet suitable practices invites engagement with diversity in a meaningful way.

Engaging with New Practices

• Continuous Learning: Educators can collaboratively seek diverse opportunities that align with children's and community’s cultural experiences.

Page 7: Implementing Cultural Practices in Early Education

Practical Steps for Educators

1. Tap into Local Communities: Learn from immigrant families about their cultural practices.

2. Collaborative Selections: Integrate practices chosen by culturally diverse families for classroom activities.

3. Participant Engagement: Ensure children are actively involved in new practices to promote immersion.

4. Parental Communication: Foster discussions with parents to support the incorporation of new practices.

5. Professional Development: Engage personally and professionally to enrich both teacher and student experiences.

Conclusion

• Aim for Cultural Competence: Through thoughtful implementation of such practices, educators can prepare children for a diverse world, enriching their emotional and social learning.