NAIDOC Week is a powerful opportunity to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in ways that are respectful, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful. The following article provides a list of celebration ideas tailored for early childhood settings, blending creativity, sensory exploration, and cultural appreciation.
Culturally Respectful Art & Craft
- Nature Collage: Collect leaves, bark, feathers, and gumnuts to create a collage that reflects connection to Country.
- Handprint Aboriginal Flag: Use red, yellow, and black paint to create a collaborative flag with children’s handprints. Discuss the meaning of each colour.
- Rock or Bark Painting: Paint with earthy tones on natural materials. Avoid replicating sacred symbols—focus on storytelling through shapes and colours.
- Group Mural: Create a large collaborative artwork themed around “community” or “journeys,” reinforcing shared creativity and belonging.
Storytelling & Music
- Read First Nations Books: Choose titles like Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy or My Country by Ezekiel Kwaymullina. Follow up with drawing or painting what they remember.
- Musical Play: Use clapping, body percussion, or homemade shakers. Play First Nations music and explore rhythm and movement.
- Dreamtime Story Puppets: Use simple puppets to retell stories like The Rainbow Serpent or Tiddalick the Frog.
Sensory & Language Activities
- Sand Drawing with Symbols: Use fingers or sticks to draw simple Aboriginal symbols in sand. Introduce their meanings gently.
- Language Exploration: Introduce a few local First Nations words (e.g., for animals or greetings). Use songs like “Djinda Djinda Kanangoor” (Twinkle Twinkle in Noongar).
- Sensory Trays: Fill trays with natural materials and symbol stamps for tactile exploration.
Cultural Experiences & Displays
- Acknowledgement of Country: Create a visual poster with handprints or drawings of land and animals. Say a child-friendly Acknowledgement daily.
- NAIDOC Week Display: Include children’s artwork, flags, and quotes from Elders. Use it as a conversation starter.
- Invite a Local Elder or Artist: If possible, invite a community member to share a story, song, or cultural practice.
Food & Nature Connections
- Make Damper Together: A simple, sensory-rich cooking experience. Talk about bush tucker and traditional foods.
- Outdoor Connection Walk: Take children barefoot on grass, listen to birds, and talk about how First Nations people care for Country.
- Gardening with Native Plants: Plant bush herbs or flowers and talk about their uses in Indigenous culture.
Tips for Meaningful Engagement
- Focus on shared values like storytelling, community, and connection to land.
- Use natural and recycled materials to reflect sustainability and respect for Country.
- Avoid tokenism—embed these practices throughout the year, not just during NAIDOC Week.
- Always consult local Elders or cultural advisors when possible to ensure respectful representation.
Further Reading
NAIDOC Week Celebrations For Babies 0 to 12 months
Sea of Fish Challenge For NAIDOC Week 2025
NAIDOC Week Art and Craft Activities
Strategies To Include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives Into The Learning Environment
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