Background Information

Content information:

The activities in this unit will help you to explore key aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives with your children will benefit both First Nations and non-Indigenous children.

For any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in your centre, exploring their culture plays a key role in their development, identity and self-esteem, and contributes to the overall well-being of the child.

For non-Indigenous children, embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their early education experiences is fundamental in creating inclusive and accepting attitudes, and positive race relations. These perspectives are also about celebrating different cultures and the uniqueness of individuals. It is enriching for children to experience the different perspectives and diverse human experiences other cultures can bring to the melting pot.

For more information about why you should aim to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives at your centre - including terms of reference and cultural protocols - visit Caring for Country – Learning for Educators.
To access more activities to support you in exploring and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories in your centre and activities, click here.

Before beginning this activity, it is strongly recommended that you complete the Tuning In Introductory Lessons. These activities will guide you to find out more about the Traditional Owners of your area. Having this information will support you in authentically embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in your room and centre as well as guiding you to build genuine relationships with the Traditional Owners of your area.

Part A: Discussion

Step 1.

Begin this activity by inviting children to share what they already know about fire. You could use some of the following questions to guide your discussion:

I wonder what you already know about fire?
I wonder if you know any stories about fire or that have fire in them?

Why use ‘I wonder..’ questions? Find out here.

Part B: Activity

Step 1.

Explain to children that although we always have to be careful around fire, spending time around a fire with other people can be a wonderful experience. We can cook food together, heat up a billycan for tea, toast marshmallows and share stories.

For many traditional cultures - including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures - having a campfire constantly burning was crucial for cooking and warmth. These fires are also a place where knowledge and stories are shared.

You could share the following clip with the children. Explain to children that the man in this clip is a Kamilaroi man (find this Country on this map - it is important to acknowledge the Country the stories that you use are from).

Through Our Eyes - Dhinawan 'Emu' In The Sky with Ben Flick (youtu.be/LzFYFutiwoA)

Step 2.

Once the clip is finished, invite children to talk about what they noticed in the clip. For example:

I wonder what this clip was about?
I wonder what you saw in this clip?
I wonder what you liked about this clip?

Step 3.

Explain to children that you will now work together to create your own (pretend) campfire and you will sit around your fire cooking food, heating the billy and sharing stories.

Gather a selection of materials that you could use to build your campfire, including:

sticks and leaves
coloured paper or cellophane to represent fire
stones to create a circular fire pit
cooking equipment
pretend food
cushions for sitting on
a book to read or story ideas to share (you can check this resource list for book suggestions).

Once you have built your fire, invite children to sit around the fire. You could just have a play and a chat about the experience, or you could read a story, or you could invite children to share a story of their own.

You can then let children lead their own play activities around the fire.

Part C: Possible Lines of Development

Children may have their own ideas about how to extend their play, or you could consider the following:

Talk to children about fire safety and practise a fire drill - what would you do if your campfire escaped the fire pit?
Introduce some firefighter costumes and invite children to put out your campfire.
Explore other Caring for Country Themed Activities.

Evaluation

Complete an analysis of learning, listing evidence about:

Belonging	Finding something of interest
Communication	Expressing an idea or feeling
Exploration	Engaging with challenge and persisting when difficulty arises
Wellbeing	Being involved

Caring for Country: Fire Stories

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Summary

Activity guides and printables

Activity Details

Curriculum Mapping

Resources Required

Additional Info

In this activity