We reflect and explore how play has connected families across generations, cultures, and economic barriers. We define culturally sustainable family engagement as the framework for our collaborative discussion and brainstorm. In the process, we work to identify potential barriers to engagement and consider efforts that supplant disempowering experiences that families face. Finally, we discuss strategies for reducing logistical barriers and initiating mutually affirming, problem-solving interactions that center play as a joyful engagement tool.

This workshops uses:

This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration by Jacqualine Woodson,

Freedom in Congo Square by R. Gregory Christie,

Sewing Stories: Harriet Powers’ Journey from Slave to Artist by Barbara Herkert and Vanessa Brantley-Newton,

How Mamas Love Their Babies by Juniper Fitzgerald.

In the week prior to the workshop, we share a link to video recordings of our facilitator(s) reading each book. The books factor into our discussion as narrative examples, textual tools, and immediate resources.