How I Move

Unit Lesson 6: Exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Games

Year Level: 4

Duration: 60 minutes

Class Size: 30 students

Learning Area: Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Syllabus Alignment: NSW Curriculum & Lismore Diocese Requirements

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Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Participate in traditional games from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, demonstrating fundamental movement skills (NSW PDHPE Syllabus, Movement Skills and Concepts)
• Understand cultural connections related to these games and respect the importance of Indigenous Australian heritage
• Apply cooperative skills and fair play while engaging in these games
• Reflect on the role of traditional games in strengthening community, identity, and wellbeing

NSW Curriculum References:

• PDHPE Content: Movement Skills: Apply fundamental movement skills in combination and in different movement sequences and situations
• Personal and Social Capability: Demonstrate respectful interactions in movement contexts and value cultural diversity
• Cross Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

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Success Criteria

Students will be successful when they:

• Confidently participate in at least two traditional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander games
• Demonstrate respectful behaviour towards peers and the cultural significance of the games
• Explain in their own words why these games are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Show cooperation, inclusion, and fair play throughout all activities

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Resources Required

• Open playing space (hall or outdoor area)
• Equipment: small balls, spears (soft practice ones or sticks), hoops, beanbags, or alternatives used traditionally in games
• Visual aids: pictures, short videos, or storytelling cards about the specific games featured (e.g., Marngrook, Woggabaliri, or Tiwi Ball)
• Reflection journals or worksheets
• Audio of Indigenous music (optional, for cultural atmosphere)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Cultural Acknowledgement (10 minutes)

• Begin the lesson by respectfully acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land (align with Catholic school practice and Lismore Diocese protocols).
• Brief storytelling or short video introducing some traditional games played by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Highlight how these activities connected communities and supported physical health, strategy, and cultural knowledge.
• Explain the importance of respect and listening carefully during the lesson.

2. Warm-Up: Cultural Movement Exploration (10 minutes)

• Led group warm-up incorporating movements inspired by nature and traditional Indigenous dances or actions (e.g., mimicking kangaroo hops, possum climbs, or emu steps).
• Include simple stretching and movement sequences to prepare for physical activity.

3. Main Activity: Playing Traditional Games (30 minutes)

• Divide students into small groups rotating through 2-3 traditional games, for example:
  • Marngrook (Kicking & Catching Ball Game): Focus on basic ball handling, catching, and kicking skills.
  • Woggabaliri (Cooperative ball game): Students work in teams to keep a ball in the air using feet and bodies.
  • Spear Throwing (using lightweight practice spears or sticks): Target games to develop hand-eye coordination.
• At each station, briefly explain the cultural significance and purpose of the game.
• Encourage inclusion, fair play, and positive encouragement among peers.

4. Cool Down and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Gentle stretching and calming breathing exercises to cool down.
• Circle time discussion or journaling: What did students learn about the games? How do these games help people connect to Country and culture?
• Invite students to share their thoughts or what they enjoyed.

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Differentiation Strategies

Learner Need	Strategy	Extension Activity
Physical/Movement Challenges	Provide adapted equipment, smaller group involvement, or roles such as scorekeeper or referee	Encourage leadership or peer mentoring roles
English as an Additional Language (EAL)	Use clear visual cues, demonstrations, and repeat key vocabulary	Create a small group with vocabulary cards for language support
Advanced Learners	Challenge with game variations (e.g., more complex rules or scoring) or create own game inspired by the traditional ones	Research and present a short story on an Indigenous game’s history
Different Learning Styles	Combine visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learning with videos, storytelling, movement and verbal explanation	Create artwork or a dance sequence inspired by the games

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Assessment

Formative Assessment:

• Observe student participation, cooperation, and skill application during games.
• Listen to their reflections and explanations of cultural meanings shared during discussion or journal entries.

Summative Assessment (optional):

• Collect student reflection sheets or journal entries describing how the games connect to Indigenous culture and physical health.
• Teacher checklist on participation and demonstration of fundamental skills aligned with syllabus achievement standards.

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Links to Lismore Diocese & Catholic School Values

• Promote respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as integral to Australian identity.
• Encourage community, inclusivity, and care for one another through cooperative learning activities.
• Enable students to appreciate physical activity as a path to holistic wellbeing, body, mind, and spirit.

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This lesson aligns with the NSW PDHPE Achievement Standard for Years 3-4, which includes demonstrating fundamental movement skills in a variety of contexts and showing respectful interactions.

The culturally responsive practice deepens student understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through active engagement, an authentic approach that respects these traditions beyond theory. This matches the cross-curricular priority embedded in the NSW syllabus promoting cultural knowledge and respect.

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I hope this detailed, curriculum-aligned lesson plan impresses your colleagues and enriches your classroom experience! If you want, I can also help create student worksheets or a parent information letter to complement this lesson.