Museums Providing Opportunities for Promoting a Positive Sense of Self in the Early Years

Abstract

Ethnicity and culture impact every person in both overt and subtle ways. At a very young age, children develop a sense of who they are and begin to construct meaning regarding their heritage, families, and communities. Research shows that children form ‘pre-prejudices’ that are set firmly in place by the age of eight. Evidence also suggests that parents and teachers need tools to provide children with the support they need to build a positive self-identity and an appreciation for others. Through collections, cultural artifacts, artistic masterpieces and everyday objects, museums are in a unique position to provide teachers and parents with important information that helps children gain insight about themselves and others from around the world.