In early childhood education, it is crucial to foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges and celebrates diverse cultures and the history of our nation. 

Friday 26 May marks National Sorry Day, followed by the beginning of Reconciliation Week which extends from 27 May to 3 June. These significant dates provide a unique opportunity for educators to deepen children’s understanding of reconciliation, empathy, and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. 

Let’s explore the importance of these dates in an early childhood education context, along with some practical tips for incorporating them into your planning.

Storytelling: There are countless books that explore Indigenous culture in Australia – Here are a few picks to consider. Sharing age-appropriate stories that highlight the experiences of the Stolen Generations can promote open discussions about Australia’s history, and about forgiveness and the importance of saying sorry.

Cultural immersion: Invite local Indigenous community members to share their stories, songs, dances, and traditional practices with children. 

Language learning: Introduce children to words and phrases from local Indigenous languages and encourage them to use these phrases in their daily interactions. Place names can be a fun way to start, along with animal names. 

Outdoor experiences: Organise local nature walks to explore and appreciate the natural environment through an Indigenous lens, learning about traditional practices and connections to the land.

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week provide valuable opportunities for early childhood educators to promote cultural understanding and create a positive and inclusive environment that fosters meaningful connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

To help you embed indigenous perspectives and celebrate cultural diversity, we’ve created resources that consist of beautifully designed hands-on activities for children from 2 to 8 years of age. 

To access these resources, click Australian Aboriginal Resources Pack.

We hope children will enjoy these experiences, so we would like to offer you 20% off during Reconciliation Week (the offer ends on 3 June 2023).

Let’s instill these values in the hearts and minds of our future generations and nurture a more reconciled society. Don’t forget, you don’t need any specific date or occasion to continue to embed values of reconciliation, respect, and inclusion into your everyday curriculum!