This lesson aims to introduce preschool children to the concept of Elders and their role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It focuses on fostering a sense of respect, appreciation, and understanding for Elders, their knowledge, and their connection to Country.

Overview:

This lesson is designed for Year 3-4 students and aims to deepen their understanding of Gumbaynggirr culture and the role totems play in connecting people to their land and ancestors.

Overview:

This lesson is designed for early years learning students and aims to introduce students to the concept of totems and their significance in Gumbaynggirr culture.

Voice to Parliament – An Aboriginal Perspective

In this unit, students will explore the history, significance, and importance of the Voice to Parliament from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective. They will develop an understanding of the role of political parties and independent representatives in Australia’s system of government, including the formation of governments, and how this system has impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through the exploration of primary and secondary sources, students will critically analyse the current political climate and the ongoing struggle for recognition and representation. The unit will culminate in students developing and presenting their own proposals for constitutional reform that incorporates the Voice to Parliament.

Outcomes:

1. Develop an understanding of the significance of the Voice to Parliament from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective.
2. Analyse the role of political parties and independent representatives in Australia’s system of government, including the formation of governments, and how this system has impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
3. Critically analyse the current political climate and the ongoing struggle for recognition and representation.
4. Develop and present proposals for constitutional reform that incorporates the Voice to Parliament.

Using First Nations Symbols in Your Literacy Lessons

Subject: Aboriginal Studies, English, Literacy

This lesson will focus on developing students’ literacy skills by engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander weaving stories and weaving terminology.

Grade level: Year 7

Subject Area: English

Duration: 2-3 lessons

Learning Objectives:

Students will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of The Voice to Parliament and its importance to First Nations Australians
• Analyse a range of texts and perspectives related to The Voice to Parliament
• Develop their critical literacy skills by identifying and evaluating the use of language and techniques in texts related to The Voice to Parliament
• Create their own persuasive piece related to The Voice to Parliament from a First Nations perspective.

Curriculum area: English & Creative Arts

Stage: Early Stage 1 (this could also be adapted to suit EYLF)

Weeks: 5-week unit

UNIT INFORMATION:

This exciting five-week literacy unit of work, based on the book “Malu Kangaroo” by Aboriginal author and illustrator, Bronwyn Bancroft and Judith Morecroft. This unit has been thoughtfully designed to provide students with a rich and diverse exposure to Australian Indigenous perspectives, linked to the Australian curriculum. Throughout this unit, students will delve into the world of Dreaming Stories, explore Australian animals, reflect on the many different journeys that people take throughout life, and learn about Aboriginal belonging and culture.

The primary purpose of this unit is to provide students with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Australian First Nations art and stories, while also helping them to develop a sense of pride in their own heritage and culture. Through storytelling, art, and writing activities, students will have the opportunity to create their own Dreaming Stories and Aboriginal artwork, and to share their personal experiences with their peers in small group settings.

By the end of this unit, students will have developed a range of literacy skills, including the ability to recognise different story elements, retell main events using multimodal texts, and present information about their own journey and culture using visual and text media. They will also have a greater appreciation of other cultures and peoples, and a deeper understanding of the importance of connection to community and country.

This unit was created and designed by Bonnie Cochrane

Welcome to our list of 10 play-based activities based on Aboriginal cultural topics for Australia early learning educators to implement in their services. Our activities are designed to provide children with opportunities to engage with and learn from Aboriginal cultures, practices, and perspectives through play. From weaving and storytelling to rock art and music, each activity provides a unique and interactive way for children to explore Aboriginal cultures and ways of being. We hope that these activities will help to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures among our young learners.

Lesson One: Introduction to Aboriginal Symbols (Early Year Learning)

Overview: In this lesson, preschoolers will be introduced to the concept of Aboriginal symbols and their importance in Aboriginal culture. Through a range of interactive activities, children will begin to understand the meanings and uses of these symbols, as well as create their own interpretations.

Begin the lesson by introducing the concept of weaving and showing examples of different types of weavings, including traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander weavings. Ask students if they have ever seen or tried weaving before.

Discuss the materials used in weaving and how they are sourced from the natural environment. Ask students to help identify some of the natural materials that can be used for weaving.

Provide each student with a cardboard loom or pre-made circular weaving, along with a variety of natural materials to use for weaving. Show them how to weave the materials over and under the cardboard or pre-made weaving.

As students weave, encourage them to observe and describe the patterns and textures that they create with the materials. Ask questions such as “How does this material feel? What happens when you add another material to your weaving?”

Once the students have completed their weavings, have a class discussion about the different ways that weaving can be used in everyday life, such as making baskets, mats, clothing, and household items (lamp shades, fishing nets – Ask could we make fishing nets out of paper? Discuss traditional & contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fishing nets created with natural vines and materials) show images, discuss where they might source the materials.

Ask them to think about how the natural materials used for weaving have certain properties that make them suitable for these purposes.

Finally, discuss the cultural significance of weaving for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, and the importance of respecting and preserving their weaving traditions.