Local Language Groups

Year Level

Foundation (Prep)

Duration

45 minutes

Unit Context

Unit 1: Exploring Our Special Places Lesson 6 of 10: Local Language Groups

Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum (v9) - Humanities and Social Sciences (History)

ACHASSK009: Explore family histories and stories about the local First Nations peoples.
ACHASSI006: Pose questions about the past and present, using observations and information from sources provided.
ACHASSI007: Sort, record and represent data and the location of places and their features in simple maps to identify local First Nations language groups.

Cross Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

General Capability: Intercultural Understanding

Learning Objectives

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

Identify the local First Nations language group(s) associated with the school area.
Recognise a few simple words or phrases from the local First Nations language.
Appreciate and respect First Nations perspectives about Country and language.

Resources Needed

Map of Australian First Nations language groups (simplified for Foundation students, such as a large colourful poster or digital interactive map focusing on the local area).
Audio recordings or video of Elders or local community members speaking or singing in the local language (if available).
Picture cards with simple local language words and their meaning in English (e.g., greetings, animal names, place names).
A large artefact or image symbolic of the local First Nations group (e.g., local artwork, totem animal, or cultural object).
Chart paper and markers.
Name tags or cards for the role play activity.
Smartboard or projector (optional for showing videos or images).

Lesson Outline

1. Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)

Welcome to Country / Acknowledgement of Country
Teacher acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land where the school is located.
Brief explanation to students of what a First Nations language group is and why these languages are important.
Show a simplified map
Display the local First Nations language group on an interactive or large map.
Point out the school location and show which language group(s) traditionally belong to this area.
Ask students if they have ever heard any of these language words or names somewhere nearby (e.g., local place names).

2. Exploration Activity - Language Discovery (15 minutes)

Listening and Speaking Practice
Play a short audio or video clip of a local Elder or community member saying words or phrases in the local language.
Teacher models simple greetings or common words (e.g., hello, thank you, animal names relevant to the local environment).
Students repeat each word or phrase, practising pronunciation and meaning.
Interactive Language Cards
Show picture cards with local words and ask students to match them with their English meaning.
Include some fun signs or gestures that go with the words to engage kinesthetic learners.
Incorporate Movement or Song
Teach a simple song or chant using one or two local language words.
Alternatively, play a clapping or movement game where students say the words aloud as they play.

3. Creative Activity - Story or Role Play (10 minutes)

Role Play or Puppet Play
Set up a "Welcome to Country" or "Meeting Place" role-play corner.
Assign roles to students (Elder, visitor, community member).
Students use the local language greetings and words they have learned in pairs or small groups, alongside English.
Encourage simple exchanges like "Hello," "My name is…," and "Thank you."

4. Reflection and Sharing (7 minutes)

Gather the class for a circle time discussion.
Ask guiding questions:
What new words did you learn today?
Why do you think it's important to learn about the local First Nations language?
How do you feel when you say words in the local language?
Teacher notes students' responses on chart paper.

5. Plenary and Assessment (3 minutes)

Quick verbal quiz: Teacher shows picture cards and asks random students to say the local language word.
Assessment based on observation of participation, correct pronunciation and engagement.
Encourage students to teach family members one local word or phrase before the next lesson.

Differentiation and Support

For students needing extra support, use visual cues and repeat words multiple times.
For extension, provide students with a simple vocabulary booklet or digital recording of the local words and encourage at-home practice.
Invite community members or a local Elder in future lessons to deepen cultural understanding and language exposure.

Teacher Notes

Ensure the language content is authentic and culturally appropriate; liaise with local Elders or community language centres.
Be sensitive to cultural protocols around language use; some words or stories may be restricted.
This lesson builds a foundation for students’ understanding of Country, culture and identity and prepares them for further engagement with First Nations histories and cultures in later lessons.

By focusing on identifying local First Nations language groups and practising words and phrases, this lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum's emphasis on foundational history concepts for Foundation students, including exploring local histories and cultures, and developing respectful understandings of Australia’s First Peoples.

Teaching Instructions