First Nations Connections

Year level

Foundation

Duration

45 minutes

Class size

25 students

Unit overview

This lesson is Lesson 4 of 10 in the unit "Exploring Our Special Places." It introduces Foundation students to First Nations Australians and their deep connection to Country/Place through stories and visual aids. The lesson is designed in alignment with the Australian Curriculum (v9), specifically focusing on Humanities and Social Sciences content for Foundation level.

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Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Recognise that First Nations Australians have a strong, cultural connection to Country/Place.
• Share stories or images that illustrate First Nations peoples' relationships to the land.
• Identify some ways First Nations Australians show respect and care for their local Country or special places.

Curriculum references

• Humanities and Social Sciences (History) - Foundation
• Content description: People learn about the past and present by exploring their own experiences and those of others, including First Nations Australians - Elaborations: Exploring stories from the past and present about people and places including myths, Dreaming and Creation stories and oral traditions
• General capabilities: Literacy (listening and viewing), Personal and social capability (understanding others, empathy)

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Lesson structure

Time	Activity	Description	Resources / Materials
0-5 min	Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country	Begin with a short Welcome to Country or acknowledgement appropriate for young children to show respect for First Nations Peoples. Explain this is a special way to recognise the First Nations connection to the land.	Script for a simple Acknowledgement of Country, visual aids of First Nations flags or symbols
5-15 min	Introduction: Who are First Nations Australians?	Use storybook or picture cards showing diverse First Nations peoples from across Australia. Briefly explain that First Nations Australians have lived on this land for tens of thousands of years and have a special relationship with the land.	Storybook (ages Foundation) featuring First Nations Australians, pictures/web images of families on Country
15-25 min	Story Time: Dreaming or Creation Story	Share an age-appropriate First Nations Dreaming story or Creation story which illustrates the connection to Country (e.g., the Rainbow Serpent, Tiddalick the Frog). Use colourful illustrations or a simple video. Involve students by asking questions about what they see.	Storybook or illustrated story cards, possibly digital storytelling video or audio
25-35 min	Visual Connection: Places and Country	Show photographs or artwork depicting special places in First Nations Country (such as bushland, waterholes, sacred sites). Invite students to talk or draw their own 'special place' from around the school or home. Emphasise respect and care for these places.	Photographs of local First Nations Country, children’s drawing materials, whiteboard or paper
35-42 min	Group Activity: Caring for Our Special Place	In small groups, children discuss ways they can care for their special places (e.g., picking up litter, being gentle with plants). Each group shares one idea with the class.	Group discussion prompts, chart paper or whiteboard
42-45 min	Wrap-up and Reflect	Recap key ideas: First Nations Australians' connection to Country, care and respect for special places. Praise students' contributions and stories.	Verbal discussion, brief reflection prompts

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Assessment and feedback

• Formative assessment: Observe students during story discussion and group activity, noting their understanding of respect and connection to place.
• Informal feedback: Use open-ended questions such as, "Why do you think it’s important to care for Country?" and acknowledge all contributions.
• Student participation: Engagement in story listening, discussion, and sharing during activities.

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Differentiation and inclusion

• Use visuals and storytelling to support diverse learners including those who may have limited English proficiency.
• Encourage students to express ideas verbally, through drawing, or role-play as appropriate.
• Provide support during group discussions for students needing extra assistance.

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Notes for teachers

• Consider inviting a local First Nations Elder or community member to share traditional knowledge or stories in a future lesson, following appropriate cultural protocols.
• Use local examples where possible to connect learning to students’ immediate region and local First Nations groups.
• Maintain a respectful classroom environment that values First Nations perspectives and cultural protocols.

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This lesson is carefully aligned to the Australian Curriculum (v9) Foundation Humanities and Social Sciences content including stories and connection to Country, fostering early respect and understanding of First Nations peoples' cultural heritage relevant to the unit "Exploring Our Special Places".