Early Childhood Education: Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Stories

This essay critically examines the presence of dominant discourses within children's literature, specifically focusing on the story "I am Australian Too" by Mem Fox, to analyze how societal norms and stereotypes influence young minds. The paper delves into the impact of these discourses on children's understanding of diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to race, culture, and family structures. It outlines a detailed plan for an early childhood learning experience, incorporating discussions, activities, and materials designed to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance. The essay identifies relevant EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) learning outcomes and principles, offering reflections on the implementation of teaching strategies, developmental priorities, and future planning to support diversity in the classroom. It emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where children feel comfortable discussing their backgrounds and celebrating differences, ultimately aiming to foster a sense of belonging and social responsibility.

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 0
Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 1
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Children’s idea of dominant discourse and diversity in society......................................................2
The idea of dominant discourse and diversity through a story........................................................3
Ideas for an ideal society.................................................................................................................3
An outline detailing the learning experience to be provided to the child........................................4
A rationale linking the justification of dominant discourse and messages addressing diversity to
be presented.....................................................................................................................................5
Materials required............................................................................................................................6
Identification of EYLF learning outcomes related to the plan and specific aspects of child
evidence...........................................................................................................................................7
Developmental priorities or learning outcomes...............................................................................7
A link to EYLF principle which relates to the plan.........................................................................8
Implementation and general evaluation...........................................................................................9
Reflection of the developmental priorities......................................................................................9
Reflection on the EYLF learning outcomes..................................................................................10
Thoughts on the strategies used for teaching.................................................................................10
Future planning possibilities supporting diversity in classroom...................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12

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Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 3
Introduction
Society sets certain “accepted” rules for everyday life. Children are the future of our
society. Therefore, they also have to follow these rules forcefully applied by the Dominant
discourse of the society. The child follows what society thinks about it. Considering the story, “I
am Australian Too” written by Mem Fox, here the concept of children introducing their family
status and life in Australia is worth a discussion. Coming from different places, belonging to a
separate nation, yet settling in Australia and living a happy life is a positive aura. The author
tried to portray that if dominant discourse in the society can be eradicated and diversity emerges
predominantly then the children’s mind can be filled with a positive idea about life. On the other
hand, it is important to show the bitter end of the prevailing society. Through stories, it enhances
the path of enlightenment and making their ideas more clear.
Children’s idea of dominant discourse and diversity in society
Dominant Discourse in society and its effect on children can give rise to a devastating
future generation. I, as a responsible parent, would have selected the path of using storybooks to
teach my children about it, and also citing the child about how diversity in the society and
accepting the range of diversion can give birth to a good society filled with good human beings.
Considering the storybook cited above, it can be said that a country where people from different
race, caste, nation lives together happily spreads a message among its reader as to how diversity
in society is accepted (Angenot, 2004).
The stereotypes and the dogma about the cruelty of the real world are not stated in the
story as it can create a negative impression in the child’s mind sending a message of their dislike
or disapproval, which in return will harm his ability of creativity. If positivity can be spread, his

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 4
thoughts, ideas will become much free and creative. As a good parental discussion such topics
will enhance positivity in the child (Lawton, P. H. 2018.)
The idea of dominant discourse and diversity through a story
Mem Fox introduces his story in front of his readers by beginning with a unique approach
to its title. In the beginning, he is repeating the title of the story along with a question, “How
about You?” Through this greeting, she is asking the readers about their awareness of their status
in societal strata in which they belong. It will help the child to understand the situation, the
reality which will let him choose a path of his own wisely, preparing him for the future while
discussing the story in-depth ( Reay, D., et al, 2000). As the story proceeds several ideas,
questions and answers to such questions are coming across, while the story is considered. The
ideas of mixed caste, people from a different nation, war evasions, hardships in life, and several
journeys considered here end up to a good, happy and joyous life. The culture that Australian
society shares according to Mem Fox is amazing. The ideals of a good, happy and prosperous
society of the Australians set a benchmark for the society that prevailed in other countries
(Hurtado, S, 2007).
Ideas for an ideal society
Though being a storybook meant for the children, Mem Fox poses a question to parents
of the children also. After each and every session of children narrating their past, there is a
question that Mem Fox asks, “How about you?” Here she questions how society treats us, what
is our status in society of a different place (MacLure, M, 2003). How a set of “accepted” rules is
presented in front of us and how in day-to-day life it is needed to be followed blindly without
questioning societal ideas. Diversity in society and so to their status as per the societal heads

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 5
created rules, though living together, is creating distance among humans. The societal difference
is only creating hatred among humans instead of creating good humans making this world a den
of corruption and a devastating future. This story shares a light ideal of a beautiful society in
front of a child along with posing this question of how the reality of the Dominant Discourse of
the society is creating threats to the ideals of an ideal society among its parents. (Scarlett, R.
2016).
An outline detailing the learning experience to be provided to the child
A child’s behaviour is shaped in accordance to the environment they are exposed to.
They get mostly influenced by the difference in physical traits like colour, race, even upon their
families and the background of other children. They sum it up according to the similarity
between them and other children (Tenorio, 2011). Diversity being one of the most important
topics in today’s world should be accepted at the initial stages of learning. The book which I
have selected, “I am an Australian too” gives an account of the diversities of people from where
they belong and how they have settled in a place peacefully and united as contributing members
of the society. I would encourage children to read and then talk about their families, traditions
and cultures and see how it matches as well as differs from others. I would encourage open
discussions about the acceptance of others and will stress over the similarities more. The
activities of a child shall include all the multicultural art and crafts. Instead of focusing only
during festivities, I would try focusing about diversity all year long and in every field. Making
them learn, read and discuss multicultural books and the wallpapers and posters of the class too
shall have the same theme (Manning, ML, et al., 2017).

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 6
A rationale linking the justification of dominant discourse and messages
addressing diversity to be presented
Kindergarteners learn through real experience. Exposure of children to other
communities, their culture, traditions. Moreover, for a sense of belonging they must find their
communities on books, artwork or posters in their classroom. Then it is about challenging the
stereotypical nature of traditional learning where only one kind of family or community is shown
in the learning materials or the class activities. With multicultural equipment and discussions, a
child can have the confidence to step out of its comfort zone and enjoy as well as know about
other communities and their culture.
The discussions and exposure of communities will help a child gain mutual acceptance.
The cultural meets and focusing on it throughout a year will give support to them socially and
they will gain confidence, a personal identity as well as respect for that. The stress on the
similarities in between the differences would make a child accept expressed comfort and care for
human diversity. The breakdown of stereotypes via discussions will enable a child to recognise
how differentiation is a social evil. Watching over a child and developing the acceptance of
varieties in their behavioural pattern will empower the child to raise a voice against
discrimination later on or question about it (Derman Sparkes et al, 2010).
Materials required
1. Interactive Classes: Teachers would form discussion groups inside classrooms. This
would provide an amicable atmosphere. Therefore, children would feel free to participate
in discussions.

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 7
Figure 1. Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/GeDQJ1KqotQ61QKs8
2. Seminars and Workshops: Organizing seminars and workshops would help children to
gain more knowledge relating to different cultures. As a result, it would be easier for
them to accept cultural diversity.
Figure 2. Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/UKN7499uEGUomBTq5
Identification of EYLF learning outcomes related to the plan and specific
aspects of child evidence
The primary methods I have used to teach students the literature named “I am Australian
Too” is through discussions, writings and performance. Students will participate in debates and
will discuss among themselves the reliability and necessity of reading the book. This makes them
communicative as well as develop a sense of affinity and respect towards one another. Hence,

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 8
they can accept people from different cultures. They will also write down the dialogues of the
book. This will provide them clarity as to what is actually conveyed by words of the book.
Moreover, children will also portray the characters of the book and will enact the dialogues turn
by turn. This will help them to understand the matter clearly by keeping themselves in place of
the characters. Finally, I would like to organize a couple of seminars for them so that they can
stay connected, understand effectively the values and respond positively towards diversity
(Cheeseman et al, 2014).
Developmental priorities or learning outcomes
1. Children develop self-consciousness, a sense of interdependence and unity.
2. They become socially responsible and understand rights and responsibilities for
participating in different cultural groups (Bone, J., et al, 2012).
3. Children would develop a powerful sense of identity and confidence. They show a feeling
of respect and care among themselves.
4. Children become strong enough to handle emotional and social responsibilities.
A link to EYLF principle which relates to the plan
1. Honouring diversity: By respecting different cultures, choices and methods of living of
individuals, teachers influence children to feel the same and enhance communal
harmony. Therefore, children grow up to have greater understanding and experiences
relating to cultural diversity and cross-cultural communication (Mandic, S., et al 2018)
2. Accepting and respecting diversity and eradicating discrimination
3. Teaching strategies:

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 9
 Smart classrooms
Figure 3. Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/GcARBw1TazrVpk3f7
 Creative Classes
Figure 4. Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/PyxT4XJjDL7q9CcN9
 Discussion classes

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 10
Figure 5 Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/4abXdYrTUrUcQ2sz6
Implementation and general evaluation
Implementation of these strategies will be helpful for better learning and enhance overall
growth of children. They will develop tolerant behaviour towards mixed culture and will accept
them in groups (White, AD., et al, 2019).
Reflection of the developmental priorities
1. Cognitive Development involves the development of the mentality, learning ability and
the way of thinking of a child. This will help a child to have a flexible approach of
thinking (Demetriou, A., et al, 2016)
2. Social Development is the development of the social skills of a child by encouraging
them to interact with others. As a result of effective communication the children learn to
respect and accept other languages.
3. Development in speech and language represents the capacity of a child to learn a
language and put it into use. Ideas regarding different languages will help the children to
broaden their knowledge.

Critiquing Dominant Discourses in Children’s Stories 11
4. Development of Fine Motor Skill involves the development of a child to use their small
muscles like their hands and fingers to do small activities. This boosts the confidence and
self-identity among a child.
Reflection on the EYLF learning outcomes
1. A sense of inter dependence is visible among the children. They also understand the need
of unity and the positive aspect involved behind it which results in making them more
confident (Krieg, S., 2011).
2. A sense of social responsibility can be seen among the children. They understand the
importance of their own rights and also of others irrespective of any discrimination.
3. With the development of respect and confidence the children will not only respect the
different people but will also treat them equally.
4. A distinct strength among the children is visible to deal with the society (Gibson, M.,
2018).
Thoughts on the strategies used for teaching
1. Smart Classes - With digital representation in the classrooms, involvement of children
will be more. They will feel interested in the class and it will be easier for the teachers to
convey the knowledge (Manny Ikan et al 2011).
2. Classroom Discussions- By the help of classroom discussion an active participation
among the children will be visible. An exchange in views and perspectives will not only
help in broadening the ideas of the children but will also improve their communication
skill.