Glen Education McKinnon

Time on Country

This year we learnt and explored the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. We sat and spoke with the children about the importance and impact they have on the country we live in and land we stand on. Every group time each morning, we start the day off with an acknowledgement of the country. The children contributing as we say “Hello land, hello sky, hello me, hello friends. Wominjeka”, meaning Welcome! A time in the year that was important and developed our learning was we focused on Indigenous artwork. The artwork pictured, created by Indigenous artist Merindah Gunnya showcases the imagery of Our kinder and what it looks like in dot painting and Indigenous art form. We talked about the meanings of the symbols and how the Aboriginal people used to live before us. Taking the time to teach the children about the importance of culture expands and develops their learning to better understand the differences amongst us all. We appreciate the Indigenous culture by listening and learning about their journey. During this learning, many children contributed by asking questions and telling us what they already knew. A few for example being, “The Aboriginal people lived a long time ago and they painted themselves. They didn’t live in houses. There were lots of trees”. “When I went around Australia I saw Aboriginal people have two sticks they would tap together’. We engaged with the children activities such as making our own maps of Our kinder and what they would look like in dot work and Indigenous symbols. We read stories about the First Nations peoples and culture. The children enjoyed the learnings and teachings. The children have previous knowledge about Indigenous songs that they share. A song about the Kulin Nation was sung by one of the children during group time, later teaching us educators and children the words. Now on a Friday, we respectfully acknowledge the country in verse and song.

Learning about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture has taught us how to care for the land and environment that we live on. To support and care for everyone around us, taking the time to connect with what we have, and to respect all. As we develop our knowledge on this learning, we are able to build on our way of teaching, supporting the children.

Supporting learning outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world. The children develop a sense of belonging and respond to diversity with respect.