NAIDOC Week Celebration Ideas for Toddlers & Preschoolers

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.