Celebrating NAIDOC Week with movement, play and connection to country!

Indigenous elders are masters at promoting energetic play in childhood. Movement, dance, play, and storytelling are the best ways for children to explore, express, and connect with the world around them, just as First Nations peoples have done for tens of thousands of years.

Here are some NAIDOC celebration ideas for your early learning service, inspired by the people who inspire us at The Kids Research Institute: elders past and present on the beautiful land we live on with their ongoing contributions to our research and children’s health. At The Kids, the Kulunga Aboriginal Unit supports meaningful Aboriginal community engagement, research partnerships and capacity building that contribute to better outcomes for Aboriginal children and families.

Let’s get started with language, animals and movement.

Encourage children to:

• Jump like kangaroos across country
• Leap over creeks or logs
• Balance like they’re walking along a track
• Move slowly and quietly like some native animals (ask what animals they have seen and how they move).

Incorporate local language respectfully by:

• Inviting children to learn and use language from Aboriginal people local to your area. Visit https://www.firstlanguages.org.au/ for resources or to get in contact with a local language program.

Here at The Kids we are Nyoongar, Yawaru, Kariyarri and Kuarna lands. Here are some Nyoongar words.

• Bardang = Jump
• Yongka = Kangaroo
• Waitj/Wetj = Emu
• Djidi Djidi = Willy Wagtail
• Yoorn = Bobtail Lizard

Additional language resources can be found here: https://noongarboodjar.com.au/

Animal Tracking Game

• Create “tracks” (footprints) in the sand pit or a sand tray. Try out different shapes for different animals. Ask children if they have seen animal tracks and ask them to draw them.
• Children follow, run, jump or crawl along the tracks.
• Take children on a walk to observe animal tracks, bird calls, seasonal changes, weather patterns and plant growth.

Discussion

Talk about how First Nations peoples are highly skilled observers of Country. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have developed deep knowledge of animals, plants, waterways, weather and seasonal indicators over tens of thousands of years. These observations help people move safely through Country and care for the environment. Narragunnawali's Caring for Country resources provide excellent educator support for these conversations https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/rap/actions/47/care-for-country

Target Toss 

Inspired by Traditional Indigenous Games

• Use soft balls or bean bags
• Aim at natural targets (logs, baskets, tree markings)
• Focus on coordination, patience and practice – children can practice using care and control

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander games help children develop skills such as aiming, teamwork, observation, problem-solving and movement. This activity has been adapted for early childhood settings and is inspired by traditional games documented through the Australian Sports Commission's Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games resource. https://www.ausport.gov.au/yulunga

Reflective Question for Educators

How can we move beyond celebrating culture during NAIDOC Week and embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, language and connections to Country into everyday play and learning throughout the year?

Ideas:

• Learn and use a few local language words during routines.
• Label spaces, plants, animals and resources using local language where appropriate.
• Include greetings, counting or animal names in the local language.
• Learn one new word each week with children and families.

Connect to Country daily

• Begin outdoor sessions by noticing the weather, birds, plants and seasonal changes.
• Encourage children to observe and care for gardens, wildlife and natural spaces.
• Explore local Aboriginal seasonal calendars.

Storytelling and Literacy

• Include books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors in your permanent book collection.
• Connect with local Aboriginal organisations, Elders and cultural educators.

EYLF Links

Outcome 1: Children Have a Strong Sense of Identity

Children develop a sense of belonging and respect for the histories, languages, cultures and identities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Outcome 2: Children Are Connected With and Contribute to Their World

Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment and cultural diversity.

Outcome 3: Children Have a Strong Sense of Wellbeing

Children develop physical skills, coordination and confidence through active movement.

Outcome 4: Children Are Confident and Involved Learners

Children develop curiosity, problem-solving and inquiry skills.

Outcome 5: Children Are Effective Communicators

Children engage with language, symbols and storytelling.

National Quality Standard (NQS) Links

QA1 – Educational Program and Practice

• 1.1.1 Approved Learning Framework
• 1.2.1 Intentional Teaching
• 1.3.1 Assessment and Planning Cycle

QA3 – Physical Environment

• 3.2.3 Environmentally Responsible - sustainable practices and Caring for Country through hands-on exploration.

QA5 – Relationships With Children

• Respectful and inclusive learning experiences which value diverse cultures.

QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities

• Engagement with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and language resources.

QA7 – Governance and Leadership

• Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within service philosophy and practice.