Things to consider when celebrating at your play experience
Celebrations are an important part of our culture and a valuable way to connect with those around us. There may be many reasons to celebrate throughout the year, however there are things that should be considered with each celebration to ensure all members of your play experience feel safe, included and welcomed.
Religious-based celebrations:
When offering religious-based celebrations, consider:- What is relevant/inclusive for the families attending
- Offering different options of activities. Eg. At Christmas, you may offer one Christmas themed craft, and one non-themed craft activity.
- Inviting input from families
Birthdays:
- Parents may provide a birthday cake for the group. They must disclose all ingredients to families.
- Cupcakes are a good idea which avoids needing a knife or blowing candles out on a cake that will be eaten by others.
- Inform families a week prior if food will be brought to ensure allergies are taken into consideration, and alternatives can be provided.
- Consider alternatives without food, eg. Gathering in a circle to sing happy birthday, playing with balloons.
How to remain inclusive
Keep in mind that some celebrations may be difficult or unwanted for some families. For example, Father’s Day may be hard for a family with an absent or deceased father.
To make a play experience that welcomes celebrations, but remains safe for all families, incorporate the following ideas:
- Ask families how they would like to celebrate events typically acknowledged in Australia (Easter, ANZAC day, Christmas)
- Provide options and different activities so people don’t have to participate in celebrations they don’t want to participate in.
- Keep families informed of any upcoming celebrations
- Ask families what holidays they would like to celebrate
- Avoid promoting celebrations in a way that could be interpreted as trying to convert a person to a way of thinking
More information on holding celebrations can be found here.