Unit Context

This is Lesson 7 of 10 in the unit Exploring Our Country's Stories for Foundation Year students. The lesson introduces students to local First Nations languages and words connected to Country, focusing on practicing pronunciation and understanding meanings.

Australian Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area

Humanities and Social Sciences: History (Foundation Year)
Languages: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Framework (Foundation Year)

Relevant Curriculum Content Descriptions and Codes

History: Recognise that the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are some of the oldest in the world (ACHASSK009).
Languages (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages):
With support, recognise and communicate meaning in language, including greetings, simple words and phrases, and song.
Identify connections between language and culture, noticing local First Nations languages and their significance.

Lesson Duration

45 minutes Class size: 25 students

Learning Objectives

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

Recognise and say simple words from a local First Nations language related to Country.
Understand the meanings of key words and their connection to place and culture.
Develop respect and appreciation for First Nations languages as an important part of Australia’s cultural heritage.
Demonstrate pronunciation of selected words through choral repetition and engaging activities.

Resources

AIATSIS map of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages (simplified or digital interactive version)
Flashcards or posters with key First Nations words and pictures related to Country (e.g., water, tree, fire, animal names)
Audio recordings of local First Nations words by native speakers or community elders (if available)
Large world map and local area map for orientation
Soft toy animals or objects representing Country elements
Whiteboard and markers, large chart paper
Recording device (optional) for students to hear their pronunciation

Lesson Plan Breakdown

1. Welcome and Connection to Prior Learning (5 minutes)

Begin with a brief circle time discussion revisiting previous lessons on "Our Country" and what “Country” means to First Nations Peoples.
Explain that today students will learn some words in a local First Nations language to connect with the land.
Show the AIATSIS map and point to the local language area to give context.
Engage students by asking if they have heard any words from First Nations languages before.

2. Introduction to First Nations Words (10 minutes)

Introduce 5-6 simple, locally relevant First Nations words related to Country—for example, words for water, tree, fire, kangaroo, camp.
Use flashcards with the word in language, a picture, and the English meaning.
Play an audio recording of each word slowly, then repeat the word aloud together with students to practise pronunciation.
Encourage students to notice how the sounds might be different from English.

3. Interactive Pronunciation and Movement Activity (10 minutes)

Use a "Simon Says" style game using the First Nations words:
For example, “If you hear ‘water’ in [language], make a wave motion.”
Or “If you hear ‘kangaroo’ in [language], hop in place.”
This kinaesthetic approach supports memory and engages Foundation learners.
Repeat the words several times with actions to reinforce learning.

4. Story Sharing / Short Video (5 minutes)

Share a short First Nations story or a digital storybook excerpt that uses some of the First Nations words learned.
Alternatively, play a brief video clip of a local First Nations elder talking about the importance of language and Country.
Ask students to listen for the words they've learned.

5. Creating a Word Wall / Group Reflection (10 minutes)

Collaboratively create a "Language and Country" word wall in the classroom with the new words and pictures.
Students illustrate one of the words in small groups or pairs on chart paper.
Invite students to share which word they liked best and why.
Discuss how learning these words helps us respect and care for Country.

6. Conclusion and Assessment (5 minutes)

Review the words by having students stand and repeat them as a group.
Have a simple formative assessment: present each flashcard and ask individual students to say the word or show the associated action.
Reinforce the importance of these words as part of Australia’s rich cultural heritage.

Differentiation and Support

Provide additional visual and tactile support for students needing it, e.g., manipulatives or textured objects representing the words.
Use repetition and slower speech for students who are English Language Learners.
Encourage any students who speak a language other than English at home to share words from their languages to celebrate diversity.

Cross-Curriculum Priorities Integration

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures: Learning about First Nations languages supports understanding and respect for First Nations Australians.
English: Developing oral language skills through listening and speaking activities.
General Capabilities: Focus on intercultural understanding by recognising the value of First Nations languages and perspectives.

Reflection and Follow-Up

Send home a simple word list with parents/carers encouraging use of the words in daily life.
In subsequent lessons, build on this vocabulary with songs or more storytelling in First Nations languages.
Plan for a community visit or guest appearance by a local language speaker or Elder if possible.

This lesson deliberately focuses on age-appropriate engagement using language and play, aligned with the Australian Curriculum's Foundation level outcomes for History and Languages in the Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages. It nurtures respect for cultural diversity and connection to Country through language, building foundational knowledge and skills for lifelong intercultural awareness and reconciliation.

Curriculum references summary

History Foundation: ACHASSK009 – Understanding First Nations Peoples’ stories as part of Australia’s history.
Languages Foundation (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages): AC9LRFF01, AC9L2FF01, AC9L2FF03 – Communicating meaning, using greetings, recognising local First Nations languages and their cultural importance

First Nations languages

Teaching Instructions