National Reconciliation Week — Activities for Early Learners

Reading time: 6 minutes

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs from 27 May to 3 June each year, bookended by two significant dates: the anniversary of the 1967 referendum (27 May) and Mabo Day (3 June). It's a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to reconciliation.

For families and educators of young children, Reconciliation Week is an opportunity to lay the foundations of respect, empathy, and cultural understanding. You don't need to be an expert in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to start these conversations — you just need to be genuine, respectful, and willing to learn alongside your child.

At Sonas Woodbridge, we embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our program throughout the year, not just during NRW. But this week provides a special opportunity to go deeper. Here's how you can mark Reconciliation Week with your little ones at home.

Why Reconciliation Matters in Early Childhood

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which guides all approved Australian early childhood services, explicitly identifies Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives as a core component of quality education. Children are never too young to learn about:

• Connection to Country — the land we live on has been cared for by Aboriginal peoples for over 65,000 years.
• Respect for different cultures — understanding that Australia is home to many First Nations peoples with diverse languages, traditions, and stories.
• Fairness and kindness — core values that underpin reconciliation at every age.

Research consistently shows that children as young as two begin to notice differences in people. By actively and positively exposing children to diverse cultures, we help them develop open, inclusive attitudes from the start.

Age-Appropriate Reconciliation Activities

Acknowledgement of Country

Start by learning and practising an Acknowledgement of Country together. For Sonas Woodbridge, we are on Whadjuk Noongar land. A simple acknowledgement for young children might be:

"We live and play on Noongar land. We say thank you to the Noongar people who have cared for this land for a very, very long time."

You can say this before meals, at morning circle time, or at the start of the day. Even toddlers can participate by repeating key words.

Read First Nations Picture Books

Books are one of the most powerful tools for building cultural understanding. Some excellent titles include:

• "Welcome to Country" by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy — A beautiful introduction to the concept of Welcome to Country for very young children.
• "Miro's Rainforest" by Bren Sambono — Gorgeous illustrations exploring the relationship between animals and Country.
• "Sorry Day" by Coral Vass — For slightly older children (4+), gently introducing the Stolen Generations and the importance of sorry.
• "Somebody's Land" by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing — A picture book about connection to Country and what it means for everyone.
• "Our Dreaming" by Kirli Saunders — A lyrical celebration of Aboriginal culture and connection to the land.

When reading, take your time with the illustrations. Ask open-ended questions: "What do you see?" "How do you think the land feels?" "What sounds might you hear?"

Aboriginal Art Exploration

Aboriginal dot painting, ochre colours, and symbols are visually stunning and deeply meaningful. While it's important to be respectful (these are not just "patterns" — they carry cultural significance), children can explore Aboriginal-inspired art with guidance:

• Dot painting. Use the end of a paintbrush or cotton bud to create dots on paper. Talk about how Aboriginal artists use dots to tell stories about the land, animals, and their Dreaming.
• Earth-toned colour mixing. Mix paints to create ochre, brown, rust, and deep red — the colours of Australian land. Use these to paint landscapes.
• Nature collages. Collect natural materials (leaves, bark, seeds, stones) and create artworks that represent connection to the land.

Important note: Always frame these activities within their cultural context. "Aboriginal artists create amazing art that tells stories about the land and their culture. Let's try using some of the same colours and techniques."

Bush Tucker Tasting

If you can source native Australian foods, a bush tucker tasting is a wonderful sensory experience:

• Lemon myrtle — add to biscuit dough or warm water for a fragrant tea.
• Wattleseed — can be used in baking.
• Davidson plum — tart and delicious in jams.
• Finger limes — the "citrus caviar" that children love popping.

In Perth, you can find native ingredients at specialty grocers and some farmers' markets. Talk about how Aboriginal peoples have used these foods for thousands of years.

Listening to Country

Take your child outside — to a park, your garden, or a bush trail — and practise listening. Sit quietly together and notice:

• What can you hear? (Birds, wind, water, insects)
• What can you feel? (Grass, bark, breeze, sun)
• What can you smell? (Earth, leaves, flowers)

This is a beautiful way to build connection to the land and practise mindfulness. In Noongar culture, listening to Country is a fundamental practice. You can say: "The Noongar people listen to the land like this. The land tells them about the seasons, the animals, and how to care for this place."

Learn Some Noongar Words

Learning words from the local Aboriginal language shows respect and interest. Here are some Noongar words to practise together:

• Kaya — Hello
• Moort — Family
• Boodja — Land/Country
• Djilba — The Noongar season of conception (roughly August-September)
• Makuru — The Noongar season of fertility/cold and wet (roughly June-July)
• Yongka — Kangaroo

Use these words naturally throughout the day. "Kaya! Good morning! Let's go outside and explore the boodja."

How Sonas Woodbridge Embeds Reconciliation

At Sonas Woodbridge, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are woven into our curriculum year-round. During National Reconciliation Week, we:

• Begin each day with an Acknowledgement of Country, led by our educators and joined by children.
• Read First Nations picture books across all age groups in The Family Room.
• Explore Aboriginal art techniques in The Arts Studio, with educators providing cultural context.
• Learn about Noongar seasons and connection to Country through outdoor exploration in The Garden.
• Display Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork, flags, and resources visibly throughout the centre.
• Support our educators with ongoing professional development in cultural competency.

We recognise that reconciliation is a journey, not a destination. We are committed to listening, learning, and walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities with genuine respect.

Key Takeaways

• National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) is for all Australians — including the youngest.
• Start with an Acknowledgement of Country. Even toddlers can participate.
• Use First Nations picture books to build understanding and empathy.
• Art, bush tucker, nature listening, and language learning are all respectful ways to explore Aboriginal culture.
• Always provide cultural context — these are meaningful cultural practices, not just activities.
• Reconciliation is year-round work, not a one-week event.

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Ready to see play-based learning in action? Book a tour at Sonas Woodbridge or call us on (08) 6184 6055.