Rationale

The song ‘Acknowledgement to country’ has been modified to teach young children about Reconciliation. Teaching young children a song coupled with actions acts as provocation to enable educators to have discussions with children about Indigenous traditions and the people of our land, both past and present.

Children’s understandings about diversity and inclusion are furthermore developed. Before or after singing the song, educators have an opportunity to explore Indigenous cultures, traditions, and who the traditional owners of the land are. This explanation can be conducted verbally with the children by explaining that singing the song is used to say thank you to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for letting us play and learn on their land.

The song can be used before classroom time begins or before a function is held on the land. Technology can be incorporated into this resource as children have the opportunity to film each other and create mini clips. The clips can then be used to open up functions held on the land. To display the clips, you can use a projector.

The song furthermore incorporates traditions and values used within Indigenous cultures. Not only can Indigenous children participate in a way they can understand, but non-Indigenous children can furthermore be a part of the experience. This demonstrates an aspect of Reconciliation because all children can be involved. This is because all children are united in participating while showcasing respect.

Research conducted by Price (2015) demonstrated that Indigenous children learn best through narrative techniques, which is why using a song and actions acts as provocation to enable Indigenous children to equally participate while showing respect and understanding towards their culture. Furthermore, the song and dance are highly valued and embedded into Indigenous culture.

The following outcomes from the Early Years Learning Framework (DEEWR, 2009) can be linked to this resource. Outcome one, 1.3 and 1.4., Outcome two, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.4,. Outcome three, 3.1., Outcome four, 4.1 and 4.4., Outcome five, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.5.