10. Learning Across Cultures Through Play
from Sparking Conversations on Culturally Responsive Childcare Hosted by Spark Team
What can children’s play teach us about who they are and what matters to their families? In this episode, we sit down with Amaka Amadike, faculty member at Bow Valley College and Executive Director of Between Cultures Foundation, to explore how culture shapes the ways children play, connect, and make meaning. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience across different countries and communities, Amaka shares stories of children bringing languages, family practices, and traditions into their play. We talk about why educators do not need to be experts in every culture—but do need to stay curious, ask respectful questions, and create space for children and families to share what is meaningful to them. Listeners will walk away with practical ways to notice culture in everyday play and build stronger partnerships with families so children can see their identities valued in early learning spaces. Mentioned in episode: Between Cultures Foundation – Calgary-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion for Black, immigrant, and racialized children and families in early childcare settings. To learn more, click here. Cultural Iceberg – A visual metaphor that shows the visible and invisible aspects of culture. To learn more, click here. Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development – This theory describes how children’s thinking abilities develop across four stages. To learn more, click here. Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Develop – In his theories, Vygotsky emphasizes the role of social interactions and culture in learning. To learn more, click here.
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