| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | History |
| What age group | Year or Grade 6 |
| What topic | Indigenous Australians stolen generation |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Today, we’ll embark on an important journey through Australian history to learn about the Indigenous Australians and the heartbreaking chapter of the Stolen Generations.
Before the lesson begins, ask students to imagine they have found an old letter tucked inside an ancient book in their local library. This letter is addressed to the reader from an Indigenous child who was taken from their family during the Stolen Generations.
Read Aloud:
Dear You,
If you are reading this, it means that someone has discovered my letter. My name is Lily, and I am writing this from a place far away from my home. I was taken away from my family and my country when I was just six years old. I miss the smell of the bush and the sound of my grandmother's voice as she told me stories of the Dreamtime.
I have been brought to a new place where everything feels strange. I wear different clothes, eat different food, and I don’t get to see my family anymore. The other kids here are nice, but they don’t understand my culture, and it makes me sad. I wish I could go home to my family and learn about my people’s traditions.
I hope that you will listen to my story and remember me, and many other children like me who have been taken away. One day, I hope that we can come back together and heal our hearts.
With love, Lily
Emotional Connections: After reading the letter, open the floor for a discussion. Ask students how they felt while listening to Lily's story. What emotions did it evoke? Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings.
Critical Thinking: Pose questions that prompt deeper thinking:
Explain to the students that today, they will dive deeper into the history of the Stolen Generations, exploring the reasons behind this traumatic event, its impact on Indigenous Australians, and the importance of acknowledging and learning from our past.
Now that we have felt Lily's story in our hearts, let’s learn more about what happened to many Indigenous Australians and how we can work together towards understanding and reconciliation.
This engaging introduction not only piques students' interest but also sets a respectful and empathetic tone for discussing a difficult topic in history.