Celebrating Harmony Week in ECEC: Embracing Diversity and Belonging

Harmony Week (March 17-23) celebrates Australia’s incredible cultural diversity and ensures everyone feels included. In early childhood education and care (ECEC), this is the perfect opportunity to instil values of respect, acceptance, and belonging in young learners, shaping their understanding of the world in a meaningful and fun way!

The 2025 Harmony Week Theme: “Everyone Belongs”

This year’s theme, “Everyone Belongs,” is a beautiful reminder of the importance of unity and cultural acceptance. For educators and childcare providers, it’s a chance to create inclusive experiences that help children appreciate different cultures and see the beauty in our diverse communities.

Bringing Culture to Life: Fun Activities for Kids

Want to get little learners excited about Harmony Week? Here are some simple, hands-on activities to bring cultural awareness into your classroom:

• Cultural Storytelling: Share stories from different cultures to spark curiosity and empathy.
• Art & Craft Creations: Celebrate diversity by making cultural artworks, traditional patterns, or flags.
• Tasty Traditions: Introduce children to dishes from around the world with a mini cooking session.
• Music & Dance: Play songs and learn dances from different cultures. Children love to move and express themselves!

Harmony Week Resources for Educators

Are you not sure where to start? Harmony.gov.au has a fantastic range of resources for educators, including activity ideas, lesson plans, printables, and cultural guides to help you create a memorable celebration.

The Learning Benefits of Harmony Week

These activities do more than entertain—they help young learners grow! Harmony Week celebrations align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) by fostering:

• A Strong Sense of Identity: Encouraging children to share and celebrate their heritage.
• Connection to Their World: Developing respect and appreciation for different cultures.
• Effective Communication: Exploring new languages, stories, and traditions.

How to See the Impact in Your Classroom

Are you wondering if your Harmony Week efforts are making a difference? Keep an eye on:

• Interactions: Are children engaging more in conversations about culture and diversity?
• Art & Storytelling: Are themes of inclusion and belonging appearing in their creative work?
• Family Feedback: Do parents notice their children discussing different cultures at home?

Why Celebrating Harmony Week Matters

At its heart, Harmony Week isn’t just an event—it’s a mindset. We’re helping shape a generation of open-minded, empathetic individuals by celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging. And that’s something truly worth celebrating.

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