ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to demonstrate how culturally responsive practice in school playgrounds can benefit all students. It considers broad historical cultural influences on children’s play based on the cultural needs of Maori students. In Aotearoa-New Zealand, culturally responsive educational practice involves recognising, honouring and celebrating Maori culture and providing an inclusive education experience for indigenous Maori students. Most school playgrounds include students from culturally diverse backgrounds resulting in the games linked to their cultural communities. The Edu-cultural wheel was a conceptual framework designed to influence teaching practice in classrooms but it is also a useful tool for exploring the impact of break-time activities on students’ cultural development in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Considering the Edu-cultural wheel can support and guide practice for those in positions of power when making decisions related to the school playground. Reflecting on cultural diversity in the school playground requires a concern for and provision for those who might be considered different.
