Harmony Week 2026 in Early Childhood Settings | Activities, Ideas & Resources

Every year, Harmony Week reminds us that Australia’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. Running from 16 to 22 March, with Harmony Day falling on 21 March, this week-long celebration brings communities together to honour different cultures, backgrounds and stories — and nowhere is that more powerful than in an early childhood setting.

This year’s theme, “Everyone Belongs,” is a message that resonates deeply with early childhood educators. Because belonging is not a passive concept — it is something educators actively build, model and nurture every single day in their centres, classrooms and playgrounds.

Why Harmony Week Matters in Early Childhood Education

Research consistently shows that children begin to notice and make sense of differences in race, culture and language from a very young age — well before they start school. Early childhood settings play a critical role in shaping how children understand and relate to those who are different from them.

When children grow up in environments that celebrate cultural diversity, challenge stereotypes, and model genuine respect and inclusion, they are more likely to carry those values with them into adulthood. Harmony Week gives us a dedicated moment to reinforce these values — but the work of building inclusive early learning environments happens 365 days a year.

For educators and centre leaders across Australia, Harmony Week 2026 is an opportunity to:

• Celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds of your children and families
• Embed cultural appreciation into your curriculum and daily routines
• Reflect on how your centre’s environment communicates belonging to every child and family
• Engage your broader community in meaningful conversations about inclusion

Harmony Week 2026 Activity Ideas for Early Childhood Settings

Looking for fresh, engaging ways to bring Harmony Week to life in your centre this year? Here are some of our favourite activity ideas, designed to be age-appropriate, meaningful and fun.

1. Storytelling and Diverse Books

Stories are one of the most powerful tools we have for building empathy and understanding in young children. Use Harmony Week as an opportunity to introduce books that feature characters from diverse cultural backgrounds, written by authors from those communities.

Invite children to share their own family stories, traditions and cultural practices. Set up a storytelling corner with props and costumes that reflect the cultures represented in your centre community.

2. Music, Movement and Dance

Music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. Explore songs, nursery rhymes, instruments and dance styles from around the world. Invite families to share songs or musical traditions from their own cultural backgrounds — this is a wonderful way to honour and celebrate the diversity already present in your centre community.

3. Art and Creative Expression

Art is a natural medium for exploring identity and culture with young children. Try these ideas:

• Create a collaborative mural inspired by traditional patterns and artwork from different cultures
• Invite children to draw or paint their family and home life
• Explore traditional craft techniques from different cultures, such as weaving, origami or dot painting
• Decorate your centre in orange — the colour of Harmony Week — and display children’s artwork celebrating diversity

4. Exploring Language Together

Learning a few words in different languages is a simple and powerful way to honour the diverse linguistic backgrounds in your centre. Create a “Hello Wall” displaying greetings in all the languages spoken by your families. Teach children to say hello, thank you and friend in different languages throughout the week.

Harmony Week 2026 Resources for Early Childhood Educators

Are you not sure where to start? Harmony.gov.au has a fantastic range of resources for educators, including free activity kits, posters, certificates and infographics. 

Building Belonging Every Day

Harmony Week is a wonderful catalyst — but the most impactful early childhood settings are those where every child feels they belong, not just one week a year, but every single day.

As early childhood professionals, we have an extraordinary opportunity to shape the next generation’s understanding of respect, empathy and cultural appreciation. The environments we create, the stories we tell, and the values we model all send a message to every child: you belong here, exactly as you are.

At Entrée Early Years, we are proud to connect passionate, values-driven educators with early childhood services across Adelaide and South Australia. If you are looking for your next role in early childhood, or searching for exceptional talent for your centre, we would love to hear from you.

Are you celebrating Harmony Week in your centre this year?

We would love to hear about your activities and ideas. Share them with us on Instagram @EntreeEarlyYears — and don’t forget to tag us so we can celebrate your centre’s efforts with our community. 🧡

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