Creating a Child-Centered Playroom for Marshallese Children

Marshallese American immigration to the United States has been shaped by historical trauma, including the effects of U.S. nuclear testing on their homeland. Once they immigrate to the United States, they experience an increase in mental health issues. To best help Marshallese kindergartners heal, play therapists need a flexible form of treatment to meet their cultural needs. Child-centered approaches are developmentally appropriate ways to be flexible and meet the needs of each child’s cultural background. Although these approaches allow flexibility within the playroom to meet children’s needs, there is a lack of literature on how to create a culturally inclusive playroom for marginalized children, specifically Marshallese children. This article provides readers with a discussion of historical and current issues for Marshallese individuals in America, suggestions for steps to create a culturally inclusive playroom for Marshallese elementary students, and recommendations for specific toys to use in the playroom.