Aim
To give an overview to the context and background of the course, and to familiarise ourselves with the learning platform and ‘timetabling and structure’ of the course as a whole. Identifying where we are on our own ‘Diversity Awareness’ learning journey. What do we know, and how do we feel about the level of knowledge we have?

Outcomes
You will have a clear idea of the course structure, and why it is designed in the way that it is. You will know the ‘what’ and ‘when’ of the journey you are about to start. You will understand the framework of the learning platform and feel confident navigating within it.

In addition,
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:

You will have identified your own starting points on both journeys. You will begin to appreciate how understanding more about the development of Diversity awareness supports your approach to the stages of Child Development and that the songs you are learning provide the ideal opportunity for supporting conversation and role modelling with your children.

Aim
The underlying thread here is how Diversity and Development are so closely interwoven. We cover 3 lessons this week: (i) Diversity and Identity (ii) Diversity and Individuality and (iii) Diversity and Empathy. We consider (a) how these aspects of development influence the ways in which children perceive their own differences and similarities to others, and (b) how they react to these differences through their behaviours and own understandings.

Outcomes
You will have a clear understanding of some of the developmental stages the children travel through during their aging from 3 – 7 years, and will come to see how this development maps onto their growing Diversity awareness in themselves and the world around them. Your own confidence and self-awareness will begin to increase as you read, reflect and relate on the experiences of others that are detailed through the week.

In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:

You will begin to see how, in following our learning approach of small, easy to digest lessons, you do not feel overwhelmed or stuck in your own course progression. As a result, you are growing your confidence alongside your knowledge and your children are benefitting hugely from your new-found Diversity awareness. You will have songs to share with your children that encourage and support their own understandings of Identity, Individuality and Empathy.

Aim
We take a birds’-eye view of three common inhibitors to promoting positive Diversity Awareness in our children: micro aggressions, unconscious bias and institutional bias. We outline their characteristics and demonstrate how these often ‘invisible’ negativities need to be acknowledged and how they can be addressed using non-confrontational techniques.

Outcomes
You will have a deeper understanding of how seemingly small and insignificant comments and behaviours can have a long-lasting and wide-reaching effect on others. You will be more self-aware in the choices you make in terms of language, actions and behaviours towards and with your children. You will become more assured in your ability to recognise when micro aggressions and/or biases are taking place.

In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:
– You begin to understand how your learning aligns with that of the children and through the organic process of singing together you are sharing valuable moments with each other.
– You can see that within a musical structure you have the space you need to enjoy different cultural and musical experiences at the same time as the children. It really is a homogenous experience for us all!

Aim
To outline, and highlight the very many positive advantages Diversity has upon all our lives. To appreciate these benefits through showcasing one particular example – the ways in which Diversity positively shapes and colours so many musical encounters.

Outcomes
At this half-way point in the course, this module provides the opportunity for some deeper self-reflection on the ways in which Diversity impacts positively upon us all. Your musical experience will be extended to consider a variety of musical examples from around the world and they will suggest ways in which you can take these ideas and use them within your own settings.

In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:
– You no longer feel stuck when it comes to explaining difficult behaviours and observations relating to Diversity issues.
– You have some of the tools you need to navigate this difficult path and you are aware that through the community support you can discuss and ask questions if you are unsure about what direction you need to take.

Aim
To explore what stereotyping is, why we all do it, and how it might inhibit our intentions to ‘do’ diversity positively. We then take a broader view by considering what ‘stereotype threat’ is, and how that can influence our behaviours and actions too. Then we relate both these aspects to the children in our care – and understand what effects they may be having on our children’s development.
Outcomes
You will have a broader knowledge of the ways in which stereotyping, and stereotype threat may negatively influence ourselves and those around us. You will have an understanding of the ‘dangers’ associated with these aspects and you will be more self-aware and critical in the ways you assess, categorise and stereotype information in the future.

In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:
– You are almost fully equipped with all the resources you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of Diversity to your peers and colleagues, plus, you are already using your bank of songs to showcase your own Diversity practice.
– You feel very well supported through the extra live coaching sessions you receive as part of your attendance on both courses and you are buzzing with your own ideas of how to take your creativity forward.

Aim
To offer you the opportunity to become familiar with some of the contentious terms that are used when it comes to understanding Diversity in depth. We trace some of the history leading to the generation of these terms, and we consider them within the wider social context of Diversity Awareness.

Outcomes
Having been challenged by the content of this module, you will feel more confident about your own abilities, knowledge and skills in relation to understanding Diversity. You will have a broad overview of some of the many issues that are at play under the ‘Diversity Umbrella’, and you will have created your own range of responses to use, and you will have formed your own opinions, based in deep and conscientious thought, about whether you find these terms personally appropriate when arguing for positive diversity awareness in others.

In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:
– You can competently deliver a complete and balanced song-session that lasts for 30+ minutes and you have the resources, videos and documents you need to do this almost effortlessly.
– You have a deep understanding of the development of Diversity awareness in 3 – 7s and are ready to take your next steps along your own Diversity journey.
– You recognise and appreciate just how much more knowledgeable, informed and confident you are in your own musical and delivery abilities, and your Diversity knowledge and awareness.

Aim
To begin to provide you with a ‘Diversity toolkit’ that you can use in your own ways and within your own setting. We firstly discover how empathy develops, before considering how being mindful is the way to initiate positive growth in Diversity. We look at the competency model and see how we can relate its stages to our own progress through this diversity-awareness journey. And then we begin to convert our theoretical learning into real-life practice.

Outcomes
You will feel more confident about your own abilities, knowledge and skills in relation to understanding both your own progress, and that of others, through the diversity-awareness journey. You will have a broad overview of some of the many issues that are at play under the ‘Diversity Umbrella’, and you will be starting to create your own range of responses to use, and ideas of the policies you will be able to use in order to guide you further in the future.

In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:
– You can competently deliver a complete and balanced song-session that lasts for 30+ minutes and you have the resources, videos and documents you need to do this almost effortlessly.
– You have a deep understanding of the development of Diversity awareness in 3 – 7s and are ready to take your next steps along your own Diversity journey.
– You recognise and appreciate just how much more knowledgeable, informed and confident you are in your own musical and delivery abilities, and your Diversity knowledge and awareness.

Aim
You are ready now to move forward in your own diversity-awareness journey. In order to do so, it is important to revisit all the obstacles to diversity-awareness that have been explored in the previous modules of the course. Once you are confident in your understanding, you will start to create, build and rehearse useful strategies that you can call on in your own setting and contexts in order to demonstrate just what an exemplary diversity practitioner you have become!

Outcomes
You will feel ever more confident in your own abilities, knowledge and skills in relation to understanding Diversity. You will have a variety of strategies in place that you can use to demonstrate your deep understanding of positive diversity-awareness to others, and you will be able to support all those around you to develop their skills too.
In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:
– You can competently deliver a complete and balanced song-session that lasts for 30+ minutes and you have the resources, videos and documents you need to do this almost effortlessly.
– You have a deep understanding of the development of Diversity awareness in 3 – 7s and are ready to take your next steps along your own Diversity journey.
– You recognise and appreciate just how much more knowledgeable, informed and confident you are in your own musical and delivery abilities, and your Diversity knowledge and awareness.

Aim
In this final part of the course, you are given the time, space and support you need in order to create and design your very own Diversity Policy. One that you can use in your day-to-day setting with confidence and understanding. It will reflect and relate to your own particular context, environment, setting and interactions, whether they be with children, colleagues or peers.

Outcomes
You will be well on your way to becoming an exemplary Diversity practitioner!

In addition
If you are taking the two courses (Simple Steps and Simple Songs) together, you will also achieve the following outcomes:
– You can competently deliver a complete and balanced song-session that lasts for 30+ minutes and you have the resources, videos and documents you need to do this almost effortlessly.
– You have a deep understanding of the development of Diversity awareness in 3 – 7s and are ready to take your next steps along your own Diversity journey.
– You recognise and appreciate just how much more knowledgeable, informed and confident you are in your own musical and delivery abilities, and your Diversity knowledge and awareness.