Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity, children understand that plants and animals need water, and understand that Australian plants, animals and places have names given to them by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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:

  • Collect a range of images that relate to the waterways in your local area (e.g. beach, creek, lake, pond) as well as any plants (e.g. gum trees, wattle, seagrass, reeds) and animals (e.g. magpies, frogs, seals, dragonflies, fish) that might be found in or around these water points. Print or have these images on a device ready to share with children. Where possible, try to find the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander names for these plants, animals or sites (see here for some suggested resources).
  • Various art and craft materials depending on the type of artwork created.
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 Philipps 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

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