5 First Nations Resources That Every Classroom Needs

2023, how did you get here so fast?! 
 
If you are like most teachers, you have been busy over the last few weeks making sure you are ready for your 2023 class. The lesson prep, planning and classroom set up that parents and students take for granted has to get done at some point, right?
 
Whether this year brings a new class, a new grade, a new classroom or even a new school for you, it is a great opportunity to set yourself up the way you want to continue. It’s a time to refresh your resources, clean out the tote trays and cubbies and fill your classroom with inspirational, fun and engaging learning tools. 
 
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. 
 
Lots of teachers reach out at this time of year asking about what resources they should have and how they can include Aboriginal resources in their classroom. Every classroom is different and what you include and how you include it will depend on your class needs but here are some things that I think are a must have in every classroom. 

Artwork and decor featuring Aboriginal art

​Aboriginal art is a great way to add colour to your classroom as well as engage kids in conversations about Aboriginal art but more broadly Aboriginal culture and people. Choose pieces that are by Aboriginal artists - it is not Aboriginal art if it isn’t made by an Aboriginal artist. Many artists share the story told by their artwork. If possible, include this in your display so students know what the artwork is about. Use the artwork to engage students in conversations about First Nations art: How does art share knowledge? What techniques has the artist used? How have the materials used by Aboriginal artists changed over time? There are so many conversations that can come from a piece of art. Remember to source your art ethically: make sure the artist is Aboriginal; buy from Aboriginal people or organisations; and do not print artworks from the internet without permission. There are options for every budget, so take the time to source them. If you are a subscriber, check out the classroom decor and posters you can print from your Wingaru Kids dashboard. 

Books

Having a range of books by First Nations authors is an easy way to embed Aboriginal content in your teaching. Books provide an insight into so many parts of our culture and share the stories of our people. They also often include stunning art works and imagery to inspire conversations. Choose a variety of books to appeal to the age of your learners and, where possible, buy from Aboriginal suppliers. Check out Riley Callie Resources for a great selection.

Calendar of Events

Showcasing Aboriginal events in your classroom sends the message that the dates are important.  Not only will you be more likely to include them in your learning plans, but students will be aware of approaching dates and their importance. These key events are important in creating awareness, knowledge, appreciation and respect for Aboriginal people and culture. There are lots of gorgeous calendars around. We have a free one here for printing. 

Yarning Cards

Having a yarn has always been an important teaching tool in Aboriginal communities and remains an effective way to share knowledge today. A good yarn shares ideas, points of view, and experience. A good yarn is engaging and gives people the opportunity to explore concepts, to challenge ideas and to resolve uncertainty about their thoughts. Yarning happens organically in classrooms - most kids love a yarn - but the stories they share can quickly take you off track. Introducing yarning cards to provide focus questions and frameworks for the discussion will help keep you on track. There are lots of yarning cards exploring lots of different topics so take time to check out the ones that work best for your class. Our Yarn Cards explore a variety of Aboriginal related topics and are suitable for most age groups. Check them out here.

Wingaru Kids

With over 150 lessons - complete with lesson plans, video, digital activities and a heap of other printable resources, teacher support materials and classroom ideas - Wingaru Kids is a valuable tool for all classrooms. Our curriculum-linked lesson plans provide background information, highlight cultural sensitivities and include classroom activity ideas as well as suggestions on how to include local perspectives. Teachers who use Wingaru Kids tell us they feel more confident teaching Aboriginal perspectives and are including more First Nations content in their classrooms.