Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity, children will explore how fire has been used and known by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They will engage in discussions around how fire is used and known, and watch videos on the connection between fire and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. Children will play games and participate in activities related to fire.

This activity is designed to give you an understanding of how to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into activities at your centre and to help you build your confidence in exploring this topic with children and families.

This activity forms part of the Caring For Country: Introductory Lessons and Themed Activities. It is recommended that you complete the Introductory Tuning in Lessons in this unit before sharing the Themed Activities with children.

Resources required:

  • Fire Flashcards
  • A range of fire-related materials such as:
    • Pictures of fire
    • Sound recording of fire (e.g. see here)
    • Burnt wood, charcoal and ash
    • Paper with some scorch marks
    • Coloured fabric in fire colours that could be waved around to represent licking flames
    • Fire fighting costumes
    • Materials for starting a fire (you could always include a box of matches with used matches inside)
    • Some fabric that smells like smoke.
EYLF Outcome Elaboration
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity 4. Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world 2. Children respond to diversity with respect
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners 1. Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
4. Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials

 

This activity has been developed with the support of the Philips Foundation and the Thyne Reid Foundation.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Background Information

Content information: The activities in this unit will help you to explore key aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives with your children will benefit both First Nations and non-Indigenous children.

For any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in your centre, exploring their culture plays a key role in their development, identity and self-esteem, and contributes to the overall well-being of the child.

For non-Indigenous children, embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their early education experiences is fundamental in creating inclusive and accepting attitudes, and positive race relations. These perspectives are also about celebrating different cultures and the uniqueness of individuals. It is enriching for children to experience the different perspectives and diverse human experiences other cultures can bring to the melting pot (sou

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

Leave your Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. Let us know what you like or don't like about this activity:

Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.