Here is a hands-on way you can engage your family with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (A cross-curriculum priority in the Australian Curriculum).
NAIDOC Week is coming up on July 8, and the theme is 'Because of Her, We Can!'
The following activity celebrates the Aboriginal women who create stunning shell necklaces.
First you need the 3-book set Tasmanian Aboriginal shell stringers. You can download a fantastic, free multimedia presentation of the books here! (Requires Flash)
To engage my kids with these books, I set up an 'invitation to create' using string, shells with holes and some beads (not traditional but we didn't have enough shells).
Sourcing the shells sustainably can be a challenge. The folks at Simply Shells get their shells as a bi-product of the food industry or from abundant species.
The books explain which shells are normally used and how the shell stringers create their necklaces. You can check out more in-depth teacher resources here.
For a related field trip, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) has a wonderful display of Aboriginal shell necklaces!
Can you think of other ways to engage respectfully with our local Aboriginal histories and cultures? Please tell us in the comments! And if you liked this idea, please spread the love.
Looking for more ideas? Try Aboriginal-Inspired Story Stones!
No comments:
Post a Comment