Katy Fitzpatrick Freelance Education Curator

Creative Family Events

Introductions / Expectations

• Who am I?

• Describe in one word how you feel about programming for families?

• Write or draw on post it note, what is family?

Agenda

• Introduction to variety of family events • What do we mean by Family? • Language and imagery to promote your event • Practicalities of programming for families

– Things to consider when programming family events

– Practical Tips – Child Protection, evaluation and documentation – Reflecting and developing your work /audience

Work with your Community

Your community is a valuable resource, they know themselves what they want. You could work with family focus group or ask families this year what they would like for next year (be cautious at the same time, as people can only say what they want based on their prior experiences – give them a flavour first), use event to collect stories, objects, photographs etc.

Homecoming Event at Tate Britain - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFX19-

_yf2g

Festivals • needs to be low tech, drop in, fast moving,

fun, imaginative, visible and for all ages Tate Britain, Camp Bestival -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G2VzZD4mLY

One Family Festival, Iveagh Gardens – Michelle Browne Buggy Assault Course

Themed Events – work with what you have already

Midsummer Medley Airfield, Dundrum

Woolapalooza, Airfield

Scarefield, Airfield

Tips from my own work

• Use your body / voice – encourage active looking and listening

• Use your imagination • Use technology – old and new! • Use everyday materials in a new way • Keep it simple!

What is Family?

• Intergenerational • Not always biological • Blended / extended • Diverse

Examples of flyers: One Family, Family Day

Activity

Imagine an alien family has arrived from outer space at your venue, and you need to let them know what is on offer/ what they can do. – Groups of 6 – Agree on a venue and family event/activity – Write down what you think your key message /

points are to introduce the alien family to your event

– Feedback to group the most important point or thing to consider

Tips for programming • Programme child-led /centred activities • Keep it simple – one theme / question • Is it something you would be interested in doing? Should be for all the

family • Think about what time of the day is suitable for families (e.g. teens like

Sunday afternoon, young families like earlier in the day) • Is your event drop-in or structured activities (is booking necessary) • Use invitational language in your info – e.g. join us for ... / we invite you

to... / help us to solve ... / ever wondered how ... Etc – and make it sound fun!

• Don’t underestimate the capacity of a child to engage on deep level and for extended periods of time

• Give clear information on what to expect on the day, who is it suitable for, where to go and facilities available – both in printed material and on website

Practical tips

• If doing a workshop give children and parents name tags – and your staff/volunteers

• Make sure your staff know where all the facilities are and what is on (could do 1 page handout)

• Produce a map of venue, facilities and what is on for families

• Have a place for coats and buggies • Advise families in advance if the activity is messy

and have wet wipes if needed

Tips for interaction • Get down to same level as child • Don’t assume English is first language and don’t use jargon

(but don’t dumb it down!) • Use invitational language, ‘could you help me to...’, ‘shall we

explore...’, ‘I wonder what happens if ...’ • In a workshop context, show by doing / model behaviour.

Then step back and encourage parents to interact • If giving a tour, think about in advance what aspects are

relevant for grown ups and what are for children • Ask open ended questions, not just yes and no • Be genuine in your interaction – value the voice of the

child!

Child Protection, Evaluation and Documentation

• Make sure all staff have read your Child Protection Policy and brief them on the same in your induction (full time and volunteer)

• All people who will be interacting with children (i.e. Anyone under 18) must be Garda vetted

• If you are documenting the event you must get parental / guardian permission

• Get feedback on the day with short survey and anecdotally from staff

• If possible ask for feedback afterwards from staff and families

• Use your documentation and evaluation to reflect on and develop your work

Some questions to ask yourselves • Why am I programming for families? • Who is best positioned to deliver /facilitate the event? • Who is supporting? • Can I collaborate with any other local groups/organisations? • Who is our audience? How do I access them? • How is our workshop/ event relevant to audience? Is it interesting, fun,

exciting? • Could this happen anywhere/elsewhere? How is it relevant to your

context and to Heritage Week. • How do I best train and support my team in advance or on the day? • How do you make sure to foster parent / child interactions and not a

day care service? • How to create open ended activities, that encourage child to explore

with parents and make their own meaning. • How to embed reflection and development in your practice /

programme?

Questions for me?

Useful links

• Tate tips for families visiting the museum - http://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern/kids-and-families/tips-for-families

• Kids in Museums Manifesto - http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/5500722/kim-manifesto-layout-2013-pdf-752k?da=y

• Child Protection and Welfare - http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=%2Fdocuments%2FChild_Welfare_Protection%2Fchildfirst.htm