Cultural Language Day

Overview

A full-day lesson plan designed for a casual relief teacher to engage students from Kindergarten to Year 2 (Foundation to Year 2) in exploring languages and cultures, aligned with the Australian Curriculum (v9), particularly focusing on the Languages learning area and general capabilities of intercultural understanding and personal and social capability.

This plan integrates play-based learning, arts, storytelling, and interactive activities. It respects the diversity of students’ backgrounds and builds understanding of First Nations languages and cultures, as well as multiculturalism in Australia.

Curriculum Alignment

Foundation to Year 2 Languages (Australian Curriculum v9):

Content Description: Explore connections between language and culture; participate in guided, play-based language activities; recognise and communicate simple meanings; engage with cultural practices.
General Capabilities: Intercultural understanding, Personal and social capability, Literacy
Cross-Curriculum Priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Learning Objectives

By the end of the day, students will be able to:

Recognise and name simple greetings and common expressions in at least two languages, including a First Nations language or Auslan.
Understand that language reflects culture and identity.
Demonstrate respect and understanding for diversity in languages and cultures represented in the class and the local area.
Participate in play-based activities using language and cultural artefacts.
Identify language connections to local place names or culture.

Timetable and Activities

Time	Activity	Description	Resources Needed
9:00–9:30	Welcome and Greeting Circle	Welcome students with greetings in English, Auslan, and a local First Nations language. Students learn simple greetings and practice with peers.	Visual cards with greetings; Auslan greeting videos or flashcards
9:30–10:00	Language and Culture Exploration	Use Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) language map to explore languages locally and nationally. Discuss languages spoken by students’ families.	AIATSIS language map printout, world map, student survey forms
10:00–10:15	Brain Break - Action Song in Different Languages	Teach a simple action song or rhyme in different languages represented in the class. Encourage movement and participation.	Audio or video of songs, lyrics displayed
10:15–10:45	Storytelling with Puppets and Dress-ups	Students enact simple stories or greetings using puppets or dress-up items that represent different cultures. Play-based role-play fosters language use and cultural understanding.【4:0:E7†AC9LTF03】	Puppets, dress-up clothes, story scripts
10:45–11:00	Morning Tea Break	-	-
11:00–11:30	Local Place Names and Culture Connection	Discuss place names in the local area that originate from First Nations languages. Relate to students’ own experiences and identity. Students create simple art inspired by local culture.	Pictures of local landmarks, art supplies (paper, crayons)
11:30–12:00	Play-based Language Games: Shops and Markets	Set up 'market stalls' where students use currency and items labelled in multiple languages including Auslan, First Nations languages, or community languages. Encourage transactional communication. 【4:5:E8†AC9LCHF03】【4:9:E8†AC9LVF03】	Play money, labelled items, props for stalls
12:00–1:00	Lunch Break	-	-
1:00–1:30	Creative Dance and Song	Introduce simple folk dances or songs from different cultures represented in the classroom or community (e.g., Turkish halay, First Nations dances). Include movement and music.	Music player, dance video clips, space for movement
1:30–2:00	Language Art: Shape and Symbol Collage	Create artwork incorporating symbols, shapes, and colours from different cultures. Include Aboriginal art symbols and alphabets from other languages. Discuss meanings while creating.	Art materials, examples of symbols and letters
2:00–2:15	Reflection Circle and Sharing	Students share their favourite activity of the day, a word or phrase they learned, or something about their culture. Reinforce respect and learning.	Circle seating
2:15–2:30	Farewell Song and Goodbye in Different Languages	Sing a goodbye song incorporating simple phrases in English, Auslan, and other languages learnt today.	Song lyrics, audio

Assessment

Formative:

Teacher observation of student participation in greetings and role-play (respect, confidence in using language).
Checking oral responses during language games.
Artworks and creations reflecting understanding of cultural symbols.

Summative:

At the end of the day, students independently say welcome or goodbye phrases in at least one language other than English to the teacher or peers.
Student contributions in sharing circle to demonstrate understanding of language and cultural connections.

Notes for Casual Relief Teacher

Engage warmly with each student; show interest in their languages and culture.
Encourage all voices, be mindful of shy students.
Support with language pronunciation through gestures, facial expressions, and modelling.
Use visual aids and physical props generously.
Be flexible with timing based on student engagement and transitions.

Resources Summary

AIATSIS language map (print or projection)
Greetings flashcards (English, Auslan, local First Nations language)
Puppets, costume items for dress-ups
Play money and labelled shop items
Music player and audio/video clips of songs and dances
Art supplies for collage and drawing
World map and local place names images

This culturally rich day plan fosters respect and curiosity about language and culture diversity, deeply aligns with the Australian Curriculum (v9) languages framework, and is thoughtfully tailored to young learners Foundation to Year 2.

It encourages experiential learning and makes strong connections with students’ identities and community, thereby 'wowing' teachers with its inclusivity and creativity.

Teaching Instructions