From the Classroom – Year 4 – Before Contact
As part of our HASS (Humanities and Social Studies) this term, we have been learning about what life was like for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples before their first contacts with European explorers. We have explored the diversity of language groups and considered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s long connection to Country.
We have also developed our research skills through a study of sites and artifacts that are significant and important to Australia’s First Peoples. Through this we have been practising our thinking skills by questioning, listening, wondering and discovering.
When the research and gathering of information was completed, the girls synthesised their findings in a report, which was then presented to the class. This facilitated the creativity and self-expression of the girls to choose the site or artifact they studied, and the format in which they presented the findings.
The girls have really enjoyed learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and would like to share the following feedback:
“We have learned lots of things about Aboriginal sites and why they are important.”
“We now know a lot more about important Aboriginal artefacts and how they were used.”
“We have enjoyed learning about what happened in the past and how it connects to our lives today.”
“It has been really interesting to learn about Australia’s First Peoples’ cultures. Now we know lots about the sites and artefacts that are important.”