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.

For more information about why you should aim to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives at your centre - including terms of reference and cultural protocols - visit Caring for Country – Learning for Educators.
To access more activities to support you in exploring and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories in your centre and activities, click here.

Before beginning this activity, it is strongly recommended that you complete the Tuning In Introductory Lessons. These activities will guide you to find out more about the Traditional Owners of your area. Having this information will support you in authentically embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in your room and centre as well as guiding you to build genuine relationships with the Traditional Owners of your area.

Part A: Discussion

Step 1.

Display your range of natural objects with children. Invite them to explore the objects (you could use the following questions to guide a discussion):

I wonder what this is?
I wonder where it comes from?
I wonder what it feels like?
I wonder what it sounds like?
I wonder what it smells like?
I wonder what it reminds me of?

Why use ‘I wonder..’ questions? Find out here.

Part B: Activity

Nature provides limitless opportunities for developing creativity. Materials provided by nature stimulate our senses and promote development. Using natural materials for play and craft activities requires problem solving and creativity; things don’t fit together as neatly as Lego, and sticky tape doesn’t always work on rocks! Traditional cultures - including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures - may have deep connections to the land and to the natural objects found on their land. These objects may be used, for example, to create tools, glue, ovens, ropes, weapons, ornaments or artworks. Reminding children that nature can provide us with everything we need is a wonderful way to help children start looking at the world around them as something they can interact with, rather than observe.

Step 1.

With the natural objects still in front of you, now pose the following to children:

I wonder what we could use these for?

Invite children to share their thoughts before explaining that they are going to use these objects to make jewellery and/or masks. You can tell children that for many traditional cultures around the world including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, jewellery is made from objects found in nature. The designs and skills needed to make this jewellery belong to these cultures so you’re not going to copy them; instead, you’re going to make your very own designs.

Step 2.

Options:

Jewellery making - Gather your natural materials and string, cardboard and glue/tape. Work with children to create necklaces or bracelets. Allow children to experiment with their designs. If they are really engaged, you could also consider painting or colouring the materials with markers or you could create cardboard hoops/discs that can be painted and added to designs.
Mask making - Gather your natural materials, cardboard and glue/tape. You could work from this template (print, cut out and trace onto cardboard for children). Work with children to decorate their masks, allowing children to experiment with their designs. If they are really engaged, you could also consider painting or colouring the materials with markers before sticking them to the mask template.

Part C: Possible Lines of Development

Children may have their own ideas about how to extend this activity with the material used in this activity, or you could consider the following:

Explore some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jewellery and cultural objects here and here and here
Incorporate other materials into your jewellery or mask-making, such as playdough, recyclable materials, wool and fabric.
Explore other Caring for Country Themed Activities.

Evaluation

Complete an analysis of learning, listing evidence about:

Belonging	Finding something of interest
Communication	Expressing an idea or feeling
Exploration	Engaging with challenge and persisting when difficulty arises
Wellbeing	Being involved

Caring for Country: Earth Arts and Crafts

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Summary

Activity guides and printables

Activity Details

Curriculum Mapping

Resources Required

Additional Info

In this activity