Learning Through Country—Early Learning
Learning Through Country explores how Aboriginal peoples understand land, water, animals and seasons through cultural knowledge passed down for thousands of years. These courses help educators introduce students to the deep relationship between people and Country while encouraging respect for the natural world.
Through storytelling, observation and cultural learning, students explore how Aboriginal communities cared for land, waterways and ecosystems. As a result, learners begin to understand that Country is not simply land. Instead, it represents a living relationship between people, environment and culture.
1. Full Term Cultural Learning Programs
These programs provide a complete term of culturally grounded learning aligned with early childhood frameworks. Each program includes educator training modules, structured lesson plans, and classroom activities designed to help children explore Country, culture, and Aboriginal knowledge systems in age-appropriate ways. Educators are guided step-by-step to embed First Nations perspectives into everyday learning while maintaining cultural integrity and respect.
Term 1—Speaking with Country (YUWI)
This program introduces young learners to the idea that Country is alive with stories, knowledge and relationships. Through guided activities and cultural learning, students explore how Aboriginal peoples communicate with and learn from the land.
Term 2—Living with Country (YUWI)
This program helps children understand how Aboriginal peoples live in balance with the land and environment. Students explore how communities care for animals, plants and waterways while developing respect for the natural world.
Term 3—Gather, Hunt and Heal
This program introduces children to traditional Aboriginal knowledge about food, medicine and caring for Country. Students learn how Aboriginal communities gathered food, hunted sustainably and used plants for healing.
Term 4—Nature’s Canvas
This program explores how Aboriginal peoples express their connection to Country through art and creativity. Students discover how nature inspires storytelling, cultural knowledge and artistic expression.
NOTE: Educator Cultural Integration Programs
Each Learning Through Country term program is supported by optional educator integration programs designed for teaching assistants and additional classroom educators who support the delivery of lessons throughout the term.
These programs help ensure that all educators working in the classroom understand the cultural context and teaching approach behind the First Nations learning programs.
👉 Explore Educator Cultural Integration Programs
2. Individual Cultural Lessons
Individual cultural lessons provide shorter learning experiences that introduce specific First Nations concepts such as caring for Country, safety on Country, or respect for land and animals. These courses include educator guidance and structured classroom activities that can be delivered as stand-alone lessons or integrated into existing learning programs.
Looking After Country
This course helps children understand the importance of caring for the land and protecting the environment. Students explore how Aboriginal communities have looked after Country for thousands of years.
Nature’s Calendar
This course introduces students to Aboriginal seasonal knowledge and how communities understood environmental cycles. Students explore how seasons guided food gathering, travel and cultural practices.
