NAIDOC Week, celebrated across Australia, is a significant occasion dedicated to recognising and honouring the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples. The week provides a unique opportunity for all Australians to participate in activities that promote understanding and respect for the rich heritage of the country’s First Nations communities.
For educators, NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to introduce students to the diverse traditions, stories, and contributions of First Nations peoples through creative and engaging activities. By integrating these activities into the curriculum, teachers can foster a deeper appreciation and respect for First Nations cultures among their students.
We have created two engaging worksheets: one a bookmark and the other a boomerang. These worksheets are designed to combine fun with learning, offering students a hands-on approach to exploring First Nations cultures.
The bookmarks worksheet allows students to create and decorate their own bookmark with traditional First Nations art and symbols, while the boomerang worksheet provides an interactive way for students to learn about the cultural significance and history of the boomerang.
Printable NAIDOC Week Bookmark Worksheet
Bookmarks are a simple yet effective way to engage students with the themes of NAIDOC Week. They serve as a daily reminder of the lessons learned during the celebrations and can be customised to reflect various aspects of First Nations culture.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating NAIDOC Week bookmarks in the classroom:
- Print the bookmarks on high-quality paper or cardstock for durability and ease of colouring.
- Carefully cut-out the bookmarks using scissors along the marked lines.
- Encourage the kids to colour the bookmarks using crayons, markers, or coloured pencils.
- Once colouring is complete, use a hole punch to make a hole at the black spot.
- Attach a colourful ribbon through the hole.
- Your bookmark is now ready to be placed in your favourite book.
Printable NAIDOC Week Boomerang Worksheet
Boomerangs are an iconic symbol of Aboriginal culture, traditionally used for hunting and sport. Integrating a boomerang worksheet activity into NAIDOC Week celebrations can help students learn about the significance of this tool and its role in First Nations communities.
Here’s how to create an engaging boomerang worksheet activity:
- Print the template on a sheet of paper or cardstock.
- Carefully cut out the boomerang along the solid lines, making sure it’s curved.
- Once you have the boomerang cut-out, start cutting out the boomerang symbols provided in the template.
- Place the cut-out symbols on the boomerang and glue them in place using a glue stick. Make sure they are securely attached.
- Add vibrant colours and designs to your boomerang using crayons, coloured pencils, or markers. Be creative and make your boomerang unique!
- Use crayons, coloured pencils, or markers to decote the boomerang.
- For an additional artistic touch, use paint to create patterns. Dip a Q-tip into the paint and apply dots to the boomerang, forming intricate designs and patterns.
- Once finished, proudly display your decorated boomerang on the classroom wall. This not only showcases your creativity but also adds a cultural and educational element to the classroom environment.
