Educators Use Play-Based, Culturally Responsive Learning in Classrooms

Play is how young children explore big ideas like identity, fairness, and community. Research and professional standards show that guided play supports math, language, executive function, and social-emotional growth more effectively. During Black History Month, teachers can set up play invitations that celebrate culture: dress-up inspired by historical figures, music and movement from the diaspora, or a pretend ‘community market’ or library stocked with books by Black authors. These activities keep learning joyful and meaningful.

Families Try Play-Based Diversity Activities at Home

Create a Family Story Wall

Print family photos or draw favorite moments. Add labels with names, places, and traditions. Talk about who helped and what you felt. This builds vocabulary and identity while honoring Black family stories.

Build a ‘Heroes and Helpers’ Pretend Corner

Stock it with toy doctor kits, notebooks, aprons, and blocks. Add photos or drawings of community heroes like Mary McLeod Bethune, George Washington Carver, Mae Jemison, and hometown helpers.

Keep language simple: ‘Bethune started a school.’ ‘Carver studied plants.’ ‘Jemison flew in space’

Try a STEAM Maker Bin

Gather cardboard, tape, paper tubes, and markers. Invite children to design something that solves a problem, inspired by inventors like Lonnie Johnson or Alice Ball. Narrate their choices and ask how it works to encourage planning, testing, and persistence. Play-based research shows guided play boosts math and problem-solving skills.