At Kids Academy Early Learning, we believe that high-quality education begins with connection - to each other, to the land, and to the cultures that have shaped Australia for over 65,000 years.
During National Reconciliation Week, we take time to reflect on how we’re supporting children to learn about and celebrate First Nations culture in ways that are age-appropriate, meaningful, and full of wonder. These early experiences help build the foundations for lifelong respect, inclusion, and cultural awareness.
Culture Comes Alive Through Play and Exploration
Young children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and inspired - and at Kids Academy, we embed cultural learning into play-based experiences that feel natural and engaging.
In our classrooms, educators might read a Dreaming story during group time and invite children to reflect on what they heard. Then, using natural pigments, leaves, or hand-made brushes, children express their ideas through painting - recreating story elements using symbols or patterns they've learned.
During yarning circles, children take turns sharing their own thoughts, developing communication skills while learning the importance of listening, taking turns, and valuing different perspectives - a tradition central to First Nations culture.
In the garden or outdoor learning spaces, children help care for native plants like lemon myrtle or finger limes and explore their senses through bush tucker-inspired play. They might create patterns in the sandpit using sticks and stones or listen quietly for the sounds of birds, wind and rustling trees - learning to see nature as teacher, not just playground.
These experiences are guided by our passionate educators and supported by our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, with expert input from Wandana Aboriginal Education. This ensures everything we share with children is culturally respectful, accurate, and shared with heart.
An Everyday Part of Who We Are
Our connection to First Nations culture doesn’t begin and end with special events. At Kids Academy, cultural inclusion is part of everyday life. You might see children joining in an Acknowledgement of Country each morning, learning a song in language, or talking about the meaning behind the artwork displayed in their room.
We’re proud to walk alongside our children and families on a shared journey of understanding and respect - guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan and our commitment to reconciliation.
Supporting the Learning at Home
The best learning happens when it continues beyond the classroom. If you'd like to keep the conversation going at home, here are a few easy and engaging ideas:
- Read a book together like Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy - a beautifully illustrated, age-appropriate introduction to Acknowledgement of Country
- Ask open-ended questions like “What story did you learn at preschool today?” or “Can you tell me what your painting means?”
- Explore nature together - visit a local park and talk about the land, the animals, and how we can care for them
- Celebrate curiosity - if your child asks about a symbol or story, take time to learn the answer together
These small moments of connection at home can help build lasting awareness and appreciation for Australia’s First Nations peoples and cultures.
Together, we’re helping children grow into respectful, inclusive, and thoughtful learners - proud of their place in the world, and ready to help build a better future for all.