WEEK 7

Australian Professional Teaching Standards: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments
National Quality Standard Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice
National Quality Standard Quality Area 5: Relationships with children
Learning Outcome 2; become aware of their own and other children’s linguistic and cultural events, such as NAIDOC Week
Learning Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators; by listen to and discussing stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, ways of sustainability and care, customs and celebrations
Respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures

Professional Journal: Week 7

NAIDOC Week Celebration - "For Our Elders"

Today, as part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations, we gathered to honor and recognize the theme for this year, "For Our Elders." The 2023 NAIDOC theme emphasizes the profound significance of Elders in communities and families across generations. It was a day filled with meaningful activities, one of which was a captivating storytelling session by Miss Lisna.

Storytelling Session:

After the Morning Group time, the children excitedly gathered in a circle as Miss Lisna began the storytelling session. She chose the enthralling book "My Country" by Ezekial Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan, a tale that beautifully captures the deep connection to country and the wisdom passed down through generations.

As Miss Lisna read the story, the children listened with rapt attention. The words of the book took us on a journey, painting vivid images of the land, animals, and the rich cultural heritage of the First Nations people. The story touched upon the respect for Elders and the importance of preserving and cherishing their wisdom.

Throughout the storytelling session, the children actively engaged with the narrative, asking questions and sharing their thoughts. The story sparked their curiosity about the diverse cultures and traditions of the First Nations people, opening up opportunities for meaningful discussions.

Celebrating Our Elders:

The book served as a reminder of the deep reverence that Elders hold within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. After the storytelling session, we had a group discussion about the Elders in our own families and communities. The children enthusiastically shared stories of their grandparents and great-grandparents, recounting the valuable life lessons they had learned from them.

Miss Lisna encouraged the children to create artwork or write cards expressing gratitude and appreciation for their own Elders. These creations will be presented to the children's families as a token of respect during our NAIDOC Week celebrations.

As educators, we are committed to nurturing the children's appreciation for diverse cultures and fostering their respect for Elders. This NAIDOC Week celebration provided a meaningful platform to engage with the children in a way that promotes cultural understanding, empathy, and a sense of unity. It is our hope that these experiences will sow the seeds of respect and appreciation for Elders that will continue to grow and flourish in the hearts of the children throughout their lives.

ART AND CRAFT: COLOR SNAKE FOR CELEBRATION NAIDOC WEEK

Australian Professional Teaching Standards: plan for and implement effective teaching and learning
National Quality Standard Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice
National Quality Standard Quality Area 5: Relationships with children
Learning outcome 4; Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another
Learning Outcome 5: Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts
Respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures
Exploring Sustainability in the service

To celebrate NAIDOC Week and show respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Lisna organised an activity to continue the theme of reading the book "My Country."

Using recycled cardboard, the early learners created snake patterns using coloured paper in various shades, such as orange, black, red, blue, and pink. The activity helped develop their fine motor skills as they coordinated their fingers and eyes to glue each piece of paper onto the cardboard.

Lisna also asked open-ended questions, such as their favourite colour or identifying the stains on her hand, to encourage language development. The children enthusiastically participated and truly enjoyed the art and craft activity.

ART AND CRAFT - Boomerang Painting for Torres (Celebration NAIDOC WEEK)

Australian Professional Teaching Standards: plan for and implement effective teaching and learning
National Quality Standard Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice
National Quality Standard Quality Area 5: Relationships with children
Learning outcome 4; Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another
Learning Outcome 5: Children engage with a range of texts and gain meaning from these texts
Respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Cultures
The next day, Lisna continued the activity by creating boomerang shapes and inviting the toddler children to use finger paint colours. Lisna employed a teaching strategy by demonstrating how to paint with their fingers and explaining the colours on the Torres flag that she held. Lisna provided a detailed explanation of the symbols on the flag:
Green: Represents the mainlands (Papua New Guinea and Australia)
Black: Represents the people of the Torres Strait Islands
Blue: Represents the waters surrounding the islands
White Dhari: The Dhari is a traditional headdress worn by men, and the white colour symbolizes peace.
Five-Pointed Star: Represents the five major island groups and their ties to navigation by sea.
The children were highly focused and attentive as they observed Lisna showing how to apply colors using their fingers. Most of the children thoroughly enjoyed painting with vibrant colours. Each time they engaged in the painting activity, they showed great enthusiasm and relished the sensation of touching the paint material and witnessing the changing colours.