Welcome Parents/Carers
It really sparks your
interest to discover that a pile of rocks, a scar on a tree or a mound of soil
can retell an account of history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Peoples? In the Citizenship through
History - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
unit I am aiming to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity through inquiry
teaching and learning by positing the learner as an active participant in the
learning process. (Murdock, 2015)
1.
What was life like for Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander Peoples before the arrival of the Europeans?
2.
How is the identity of Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Australia is shaped by Country/Place?
3.
Our role as a citizen in protecting places
of outstanding significance to Australia?
(Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting
Authority [ACARA], 2016)
Your child will brainstorm questions using this image.
(Flickr, 2015)
We are going to consider evidence that challenges the
view that all Aboriginal peoples were nomads.
YouTube clip: Aboriginal Industry part 03 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN0X9G2Z5U8
Australian Broadcasting
Corporation. Catalyst: Aboriginal Village.
[Transcript]. URL: www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s805459.htm
Pascoe (2014) explains
that “Early travellers in the Alps remark on the small villages of stone houses
and large populations” (p.91).
The students will then take on the role of junior archaeologist at a local site by using an iPad to collect photographic evidence of possible Aboriginal inhabitants and their connection to Country/Place such as rock formations, scar trees, bush foods, land clearing, artefacts and water sources.
A member from the ‘Taungurung
Clan’ will guide our archaeologist field trip to Cathedral Range State Park,
Victoria where the ‘Taungurung Clans’ are the traditional owners. The Cathedral Range was declared a State Park in 1979 due to its landscape
features, diverse woodland types and protection of significant pre and post European
historic sites (Parks Victoria, 2019).
(Lifeunseen,2019)
This field trip will include
an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ and a yarning story with the member/s from the
‘Taungurung Clan’ about how they lived, the connection to Country and the
importance of
this site.
Also, the student will
develop essential skills in thinking, collaborating, communicating and
researching.
On conclusion of the unit
the students will create a PowerPoint presentation that features images and
text that document their learning about how Aboriginal Peoples lived prior to
European settlement, how they are shaped by Country/Place and the historical
and cultural importance of protecting these sites by state law and National
Heritage Listing.
How can parents/cares
support their child’s learning?
Please watch the clip and
read the transcript provided in the links above. Another great resource is the Guide to Aboriginal sites and Places -
Creative Spirits - https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/land/guide-to-aboriginal-sites-and-places
Discuss the importance of
identifying and protecting these places and how they tell our national stories.
This may be a sensitive
topic for some families and I am available to address concerns or answer
questions regarding this unit.
Thank-you
Kim McLachlan
Reference
List
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. [ACARA]
(2016,
December 16). The Australian curriculum: Humanities and Social
Science (Version
8.3). All year levels. Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/download/f10
Australian Curriculum,
Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2016). Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
Histories and Cultures. Retrieved
from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/cross-curriculum-
priorities/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures/
Australian
Broadcasting Corporation. (2003). Catalyst: Aboriginal Village. [Image].
Retrieved from
Creative Spirit. (2019). Guide to Aboriginal sites and places. Retrieved from https://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/land/guide-to-aboriginal-sites-and-places
Lifeunseen.
(2019). Cathedral
Ranges state park. Retrieved from
Parks Victoria. (2019). Culture and heritage. Retrieved from
Pascoe, B. (2014). Dark emu. Black seeds: agriculture or
accident. Broome, Western
Australian: Magabala
Books Aboriginal Corporation.
The Tabellarius. (2015). Aboriginal Industry part 03. [YouTube
clip]. Retrieved from
Hey, Kim,
ReplyDeleteI found your part b post thrilling to read. 😊 I think the way in which you have stated the content descriptors of the AC, so parents know what their child/children are learning, is presented in an explicit and easy to understand. Just thinking if you would want more words to use in your blog you could use an image from the AC instead. I think the way in which you have ensured to use Aboriginal Elders with your teaching approach is effective as this would give students and maybe yourself a chance to learn from someone who has years of experience with the Aboriginal Cultures that are present in the area that you reside in. I love the idea of the junior arachnologist and the use of Technology (Ipad) to help/ support students to achieve their given learning outcome. There is some much evidence based research which discusses that in cooperating digital technology into the classroom would be more engaging for students, therefore more active and knowledgeable students throughout the year. I found the way in which you cooperated the use of the Ipads useful to students. Your images add detail in which your text does not, as they present the areas where students will visit. The images are bright and placed in a way in which catches the eye, great to maintain engagement throughout.
What would you do if an Elder couldn't attend and are parent allowed to be a part of this excursion if they can attend? What would you do to help support students through the sensitive material present through the history of what the Aboriginal people had suffered?
Keep up the good work
Alex.
Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun and engaging unit you have chosen. The blog post itself is visually pleasing and you have used very suitable language in a way that parents will relate with. You have clearly defined what the students will be learning. You have identified why the students are learning and the knowledge and skills students will gain through the unit with some inks to the Australian Curriculum. You have identified the pedagogical approaches that you will use to implement this unit. An academic reference in regards to inquiry learning could strengthen this area of your post. You have given some suggestions on how parents could help at home. You may consider linking some websites for further discussion and support. You might like to consider that this may be a sensitive topic for some students. A really great effort again, I am looking forward to reading your next post. For further feedback, please see the word document with the review and track changes included, which was emailed to you.