Wadjela
learning
Learning on and with Country
There's plenty of research that tells us that kids are happier when they're outside. So let's use this to our advantage and not just leave the outdoors to recess and lunch.
Lesson Ideas and resources
Nature craft
I've recently discovered Wild Child nature craft projects for kids books and have found them perfect for teaching all year levels. The focus of the books are using natural and sustainable materials to engage with nature through creation and exploration of the natural environment. These books whilst they acknowledge Country don't explicitly link the activities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and understandings. I would recommend learning the local seasons of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island nation you're on and linking the activities to what is happening during these seasons in terms of what plants are in bloom and recreating some of the animals who are significant during a particular season using found materials.
This is the link to the book series. The books are beautiful and invite children to explore different activities.
Bush tucker
Learning which plants in your area are edible can be a powerful learning tool allowing children to connect and understand their local Country. See the Noongar resources collection for more ideas.
Noongar Bush Tucker by Vivienne Hansen and John Horsfall
Art and nature
Explore Country through the creation of artworks. This resource gives you a framework to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists authentically and appropriately. It gives specific classroom ideas across year levels and Learning Areas.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art in the Classroom 2