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 First Nations 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 First Nations 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 First Nations 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 First Nations 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.

Gather children in your room and display some of the toys you have collected in front of children. Pose the following questions:

I wonder what these toys are? (It may be that your centre doesn’t allow children to play with sticks but the simple stick has of course been a toy around the world and through the ages)
I wonder how we can use them?
I wonder what they are made from? (Support children to identify which toys are made from or contain natural material, what these materials are and where they come from)

Step 2.

Through your discussion, explain to children that kids have so many toys to choose from.

Explain that in the 'old days', kids didn’t have as many toys as we have now, but they still had great toys. You could share the Old Toys Flashcards, and invite children to talk about what they see.

Now explain that while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids of today play with the same toys as everyone else, in the past the toys that were played with were a bit different. For a start, all toys were made from natural materials. You could share these images of toys with children and explain what they are and what they are made from.

Part B: Activity

Step 1.

If any children are familiar with AFL, you can explain that this game in part comes from a game called Marngrook played by Aboriginal people in Victoria long before white people arrived in Australia.

Marngrook used to be played with a ball made from kangaroo skin which was then filled with charcoal. One of the aims of the game was to kick the ball up into the air and jump really high to catch it. Whoever jumped the highest would get a point!

You could head outside with a soccer ball or volleyball and play this game with the children. See this clip:

Marngrook (youtu.be/o-w1RzxpL_0)

Part C: Possible Lines of Development

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

make toys out of natural materials, such as:
- paint small sticks to be used as wands
- paint small rocks and pebbles to be used as people, animals or buildings
- make marbles out of clay and paint them
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 Games

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Summary

Activity Guides and Printables

Activity Details

Curriculum Mapping

Resources Required

Additional Info

In this activity