Beginning a NAIDOC Week Lesson for Year 1
Introduction to the Theme
Teacher's Note: This lesson will introduce Year 1 students to the importance of NAIDOC Week and its theme for 2025, “The Land is Our Home.” This lesson aims to foster respect for Indigenous cultures and their connection to the land.
Opening Activity: "The Land is Our Home"
Materials Needed:
- Large sheet of butcher paper
- Various nature materials (leaves, twigs, flowers) collected from the school grounds or nearby park
- Crayons or markers
- Storybook about Indigenous culture (e.g., "Welcome to Country")
Steps to Begin the Lesson:
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Gather the Students:
- Have your students sit in a circle, forming a comfortable and inclusive environment.
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Engage with a Story:
- Begin by reading a brief story or picture book that highlights the significance of land to Indigenous Australians. A recommended choice is "Welcome to Country" which introduces the concept of land and connection.
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Discussion:
- After reading, ask the students:
- "What do you think it means when we say, 'The Land is Our Home'?"
- Guide the discussion towards the feelings, experiences, and stories that relate to nature and home.
- Provide prompts to help them express their thoughts, such as:
- "What do you see when you look at the trees or the flowers?"
- "How do you feel when you are outside?"
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Art Connection:
- Hand out the nature materials collected.
- Instruct students to create a collage on the butcher paper that represents their idea of home using these materials. Encourage creativity and expressiveness.
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Sharing:
- Once they finish their collages, invite them to share their creations with the class and explain why they chose those particular items. This reinforces the personal connection to the theme and emphasises the idea of home being more than a structure—it's about community and connections with nature.
Conclusion:
Wrap up by reinforcing the importance of understanding and respecting Indigenous cultures. Explain that throughout the week, they will learn more about how the land is linked to stories, celebrations, and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Final Thought to Take Home:
Encourage students to think about what home means to them and how they can respect and care for the land around them.
This engaging and imaginative approach not only fosters a connection to the NAIDOC Week theme but also encourages teamwork, creativity, and respect for diversity among young learners.