Figures show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely to need early intervention services – such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy – than other children, and the gap between First Nations kids (24%) and non-Indigenous kids (10%) is significant.

Figures show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are more likely to need early intervention services – such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy – than other children, and the gap between First Nations kids (24%) and non-Indigenous kids (10%) is significant.

This year, the theme for Reconciliation Week (held every year 27th May – 3rd June) is ‘Now More Than Ever’ and while it is still a few weeks away so might not be on your radar yet, I want to talk about the theme and what it means for teachers – because it’s an important one.

It wouldn’t be Easter without Easter craft! Easter craft will look different in every classroom and this year we have a new basket to add to our collection of Easter craft for you to consider. If you are a subscriber we also have a super cute bilby ear activity for you - check it out in the additional resources section of the dashboard.

As dedicated educators, we strive to instill curiosity and critical thinking in our students, constantly hunting for tools and strategies that encourage students to utilise enquiry skills, develop sound research practices, and exercise their developing critical-thinking skills. Critical thinking is one of the many important things children learn at school; when it comes to Aboriginal perspectives, it is one of the most important skills we can nurture.

Including First Nations languages in your classroom is a great way to include and embed Aboriginal culture throughout your teaching program. It’s fun to learn new words and phrases, and it helps keep our languages alive, encouraging students to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language as part of the oldest continuous culture on earth.

And just like that 2024 is here! I love the start of a new year and the potential it holds. The fresh start, an opportune time to establish a new approach or focus, and the calm to put the learnings of the previous year into action.

Christmas! Can you believe we are here already! Term 4 has just weeks to go and while I am freaking out about how fast this year has gone, I am also so relieved that a break is just around the corner. This year we are headed north for a few weeks to spend time on amazing Gumbaynggirr Country. Saltwater healing here I come!

That’s not really a surprise given my life-long love of books. I have always enjoyed poring through a book; reading the stories; studying the pictures and illustrations; appreciating the paper feel and smell…. I am one of those people who refuse to switch over to a digital reader, preferring to buy the real thing despite having run out of room for them years ago.

Reconciliation is all about working together and we have teamed up with one of our favourite allies, Aaron Johnston from Mr J’s Learning Space to bring you an amazing resource for Reconciliation Week this year.

Aboriginal cultural awareness training is becoming an increasing priority for many Australian schools and workplaces. It is a reflection of the increasing recognition of the importance of cultural safety in the way organisations work – both internally and also in delivering services to Aboriginal communities.

Incorporating First Nations perspectives into your Easter activities is a great way to deepen students' appreciation for the richness and diversity of our culture.

This time of year, as we restock classroom supplies, there is a lot of conversation about where to buy Aboriginal education resources and other items - that is items that are about Aboriginal people, represent Aboriginal people or are items based on Aboriginal culture and authentic cultural expression. This conversation has gotten greater each year as awareness of the importance of buying Blak spreads, so I really like that the conversation is happening. It is a really important conversation.

Including First Nations resources and displays in your classroom is a great way to set the tone for the year. Not only is it beautiful, but this content is going to be a regular part of your teaching plan. Having artworks, books and other resources readily accessible to students is a good way to make sure you are embedding content.

So it is that time of year again. January 26th. Invasion Day. Survival Day. Australia Day. No matter what you call it, there is no escaping the exhausting, frustrating and often anger-inducing conversations that come with it.