First Nations Symbols

Year Level

Foundation (Australian Curriculum v9)

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Unit Context

This lesson is Lesson 7 of 10 in the unit: Understanding First Nations Places. It focuses on exploring traditional art and symbols used by First Nations Australians as expressions of their connection to land and country.

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Curriculum Alignment

Curriculum Area

History (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Relevant Content Descriptions

• Recognise and describe First Nations Peoples’ ways of expressing connection to Country/Place through art and symbols
• Understand cultural significance of symbols and patterns used in First Nations artworks in representing stories, Country, and identity

Learning Objectives

Foundation students will learn to:

• Identify traditional symbols and art styles used by First Nations Australians to represent stories and connections to Country.
• Understand that First Nations art holds deep meanings connected to culture and environment.
• Create their own simple artworks inspired by First Nations symbols to express a connection to place or community.

These align with the Australian Curriculum content descriptions for Foundation HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences): understanding cultural expressions and connections to Country/Place.

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Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin with a circle time chat: Ask students if they have seen paintings or patterns that look different or special about the land, animals or people.
• Show images of First Nations Australian traditional symbols and artworks (use local or well-known examples, e.g., dot paintings, handprints, animal symbols).
• Discuss simply: "These pictures tell stories about the land, animals and people. Each mark or symbol means something important."

Key Teaching Activity (15 minutes)

• Teach students some common First Nations symbols for animals, water, people, and tracks.
• Use a large poster or interactive whiteboard to display symbols.
• Tell a very short, simple Dreaming story or explain how symbols tell stories about country.
• Engage students with questions to connect ideas: "What might this symbol tell us about this place?"

Hands-on Art Activity (15 minutes)

• Provide paper and coloured pencils or crayons.
• Invite students to create their own simple artwork using some of the First Nations symbols learned.
• Encourage them to think about their favourite place or animal and use symbols to show it.
• While working, gently remind students that these symbols are special ways to show connection to country.

Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

• Invite several students to share their artworks and explain what their symbols mean.
• Reinforce respectful appreciation of First Nations culture and its ongoing importance.
• Close by highlighting the value of art as a way to tell stories and connect to places.

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Assessment

• Observe student participation in discussion and their ability to recall or identify symbols.
• Review their artwork for inclusion of symbols and intent in representing connection to place.
• Use informal questioning to assess understanding of the significance of art and symbols.

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Resources Required

• Images/posters of First Nations art and symbols (preferably local or regional examples).
• Paper, crayons, or coloured pencils for drawing.
• Space for group discussion and art-making.

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Teacher Notes

• Use respectful language and protocols when presenting First Nations cultural materials.
• Where possible, incorporate local First Nations perspectives or resources.
• Highlight that today’s activity respects and learns from First Nations culture.
• Emphasise that symbols and art are ways of staying connected to Country and community for thousands of years.
• Keep explanations age-appropriate and use storytelling techniques familiar to Foundation students.

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General Capabilities

• Intercultural Understanding: Developing respect for cultural expressions and diversity.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Creating artwork and interpreting symbolic meanings.
• Personal and Social Capability: Sharing and reflecting on personal connections to place.

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This lesson supports Foundation students to begin understanding the importance of First Nations cultural art and symbols as integral to identity and Country. It encourages an early appreciation for visual storytelling and cultural heritage consistent with the Australian Curriculum Humanities and The Arts learning areas.