Art and Music Connections

Year Level

Foundation and Year 1 mixed class (age 5-7 years)
Class size: 25 students
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes

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Unit: First Nations Connections

Lesson 6 of 10

Lesson Title: Art and Music in First Nations Cultures
Lesson Description:
Students will explore the significance of art and music in First Nations Australian cultures. They will engage with traditional styles through storytelling, music, and hands-on artwork creation inspired by First Nations art, followed by learning and performing a simple song or chant.

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Australian Curriculum Links

Subject: Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) – History
Year Level: 1
Content Descriptions:

• AC9HS1K02: Recognise ways that the daily lives of children today are similar and different to those in the past, including aspects of First Nations children’s and families’ lives .
• AC9HS1K04: Understand how places can change and how to care for them, including knowledge of how First Nations Australians care for Country/Place .

Cross-curriculum priorities:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

General capabilities:

• Intercultural understanding – appreciating cultural identity through art and music.
• Critical and creative thinking – designing own artwork inspired by First Nations cultures.

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Learning Objectives (WALT)

• WALT understand why art and music are important in First Nations cultures.
• WALT explore traditional First Nations styles of art and music.
• WALT create our own artwork inspired by these styles.
• WALT listen to and sing a simple First Nations song or chant.

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Resources Needed

• Images and examples of First Nations artwork and instruments (printouts or projector)
• Art supplies: paper, crayons, coloured pencils, natural materials (e.g., leaves, twigs, sand)
• Picture story or video about Aboriginal music and art (age-appropriate)
• Audio recording or teacher-led singing of a simple First Nations song or chant
• Worksheets with simple cut-and-paste patterns (optional for Foundation students)
• Seating arranged for group music time

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Details	Differentiation Strategies
5 min	Introduction & Connection (WALT)	- Briefly explain today we will find out about how First Nations people use art and music. Talk about song, dance, paintings, symbols, and storytelling.

• Show images of traditional art and musical instruments. | - Use simple, clear language and visuals.
• Allow F and Year 1 students to share experiences or prior knowledge. | | 10 min | Story and Discussion | - Share a short story/video about how art and music help First Nations people tell stories and connect with Country and family.
• Ask guiding questions: "Why do you think music and art are important here? Have we seen or heard similar things?" | - Use puppets or hands-on props for younger or div learners.
• Support students who need help with vocabulary. | | 15 min | Hands-On Art Activity: Create Inspired Artwork | - Students create artwork inspired by traditional styles (dot painting patterns, symbols, natural colours).
• Provide options: drawing, dot painting with crayons, or collage using natural materials.
• Circulate and engage, encouraging students to think about stories their art might tell. | - Foundation students can do simple dot patterns or colour matching cut-and-paste sheets.
• Provide tracing templates or simplified symbols for those who need fine motor help. | | 10 min | Music and Chant Learning | - Teach a simple traditional First Nations song or chant (e.g., a welcome or nature song).
• Use call and response or repetition to scaffold learning.
• Encourage students to use body percussion or simple instruments like sticks or clapping. | - Allow students to choose if they want to sing, clap or just listen.
• For ESL or diverse learners, use visuals with key words from the song. | | 5 min | Reflection and Sharing | - Gather students in a circle to share their artwork and/or music experience.
• Ask: "What did you like about making art or singing today? Why do you think this is important to First Nations people?" | - Give sentence starters for reluctant speakers, e.g. "I liked...", "Art is important because..."
• Use peer sharing or drawing instead of speaking if preferred. |

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Assessment

• Observation checklist: Participation during discussion, engagement during art and music activities.
• Artwork: Use of traditional styles or symbols inspired from lesson.
• Music: Ability to replicate or respond to the simple song/chant.
• Informal questioning checking understanding of why art and music matter for First Nations cultures.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide multi-sensory learning: visuals, story, hands-on art, music.
• Scaffold tasks with templates and peer support for those with fine motor challenges or English as an additional language.
• Use clear, simple language and repeat instructions.
• Allow choice in how students express creativity (drawing, collage, patterns).
• Allow students to opt out or observe during music if unsure, supporting gradual participation.
• For advanced learners, encourage describing the meaning behind their artwork in more detail and extending on the story behind the song.

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Teacher Tips

• Invite a local First Nations community member or artist to visit or share stories/videos if possible.
• Connect the artwork and music to cultural respect and responsible care of Country introduced in previous lessons.
• Use positive reinforcement and culturally respectful language throughout.
• Link this lesson to later lessons about place, care for Country, and storytelling.

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This lesson plan applies specifically to the Year 1 Australian Curriculum Humanities and Social Sciences, addressing historical understanding of First Nations cultures through their artistic and musical expressions, focusing on concrete, accessible experiences appropriate to young learners' developmental stages with opportunities for differentiated engagement .