Art and Symbolism

Unit: Exploring First Nations Heritage

Lesson 7 of 14

Duration: 45 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Year Level: Year 4

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

Explore the art forms and symbols used by First Nations peoples.

Success Criteria

• I can identify different symbols used in First Nations art.
• I can interpret the meanings behind these symbols.
• I can explain how these art forms connect to First Nations culture and Country.

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Australian Curriculum Links

History / Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) Year 4

• ACHASSK089: The importance of Country/Place to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including the connection to stories, symbols, and art.
• AC9HS4S02: Locate, collect and record information from a range of sources, including artworks and symbols to explore cultural heritage.
• AC9HS4S03: Interpret information and data displayed in different formats, including symbols in artworks.

The Arts - Visual Arts Year 4

• AC9AVA4E02: Explore examples of visual arts created by First Nations Australians, identifying colours, symbols, and patterns used in artworks and designs.

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Resources
0-5 min	Welcome and Introduction	Brief introduction to the lesson with an Acknowledgement of Country. Explain WALT and success criteria for the lesson clearly in student-friendly language.	Whiteboard/Smartboard
5-15 min	Symbol Exploration: Visual Gallery Walk	Display a selection of First Nations artwork images featuring strong use of symbolism (prints, rock art, Bark paintings, dot paintings). Students walk around the room in small groups, observing the artworks and writing down what symbols or shapes they notice and speculate meanings.	Printed images/posters or digital slideshow of First Nations art
15-25 min	Class Discussion: What do the symbols mean?	Regroup and discuss: Each group shares their observations. Teacher explains some known meanings (e.g., waterholes, animals, pathways, ancestral spirits). Introduce the concept that art communicates connection to Country, family and stories.	Whiteboard, students’ notes
25-35 min	Symbol Drawing Activity	Students create their own artwork inspired by First Nations symbols. They use shapes and patterns to represent a story or connection to a place important to them (e.g., their home, school, or a special place). Encourage use of colours and repetition of symbols.	Paper, coloured pencils, markers, crayons
35-40 min	Pair Share	Students explain their artwork and the symbols they used to a partner. Encourage them to talk about why they chose particular symbols and colours.	Students’ artworks
40-45 min	Exit Reflection and Success Criteria Check	Quick written or verbal reflection: “What is one symbol you learned about today? What does it mean?” Teacher revisits success criteria to consolidate learning.	Exit slips or verbal sharing

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Detailed Notes for Teachers

• Cultural Sensitivity: Emphasise respect for First Nations cultures and that some symbols may have secret or sacred meanings which should be treated respectfully. Use only publicly appropriate symbols and stories.
• Language Use: Use accurate terminology such as "Country" to refer to land in First Nations contexts.
• Learning Support: For diverse learners, provide symbol cards with names and meanings for easier identification. Allow additional time for art creation if needed.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation during gallery walk and group discussions.
• Review student artworks and explanations to assess understanding of symbolism and meaning.
• Check exit reflections to ensure students met success criteria.

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Cross-curriculum links

• English: Using descriptive language when discussing symbols.
• Geography: Connection of art to Country and place.
• Personal and Social Capability: Respecting cultural diversity and sharing ideas.

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This lesson plan closely follows the Australian Curriculum (v9) requirements for Year 4 Humanities and Social Sciences and The Arts, encouraging students to engage in meaningful inquiry of First Nations heritage through art and symbolism, fostering an appreciation for cultural diversity and storytelling.