Why Educators Use This Program
Many educators want to introduce First Nations perspectives in early learning settings. However, building meaningful cultural learning across a term can be challenging without guidance.
Speaking with Country helps educators:
— introduce Aboriginal culture in age-appropriate ways
— embed respect for Country into everyday classroom learning
— introduce Aboriginal language and storytelling traditions
— teach cultural protocols such as Welcome and Acknowledgment of Country
— guide conversations about respect for land, animals and community
Consequently, educators can move beyond isolated cultural activities and deliver a cohesive First Nations learning program across the school term.
Structured Lessons Across the Term
The program provides a sequence of educator-guided lessons designed to be delivered throughout the term.
Lessons explore themes such as:
— Aboriginal Borders and Nations
— Understanding Traditional Custodians
— Respecting Country and cultural protocols
— Yuwi language learning activities
— Aboriginal storytelling and Dreaming stories
— Nature's calendar and environmental knowledge
— Animals and cultural meaning
— Safety and knowledge from Country
Each lesson builds on previous learning, helping students develop a deeper understanding of First Nations culture.
Designed to Support Educators
Speaking with Country provides educators with structured teaching materials and cultural guidance.
Educators receive:
— a complete term program with sequenced lessons
— educator background reading explaining cultural context
— structured lesson plans and classroom activities
— storytelling and language learning resources
— quizzes and learning checkpoints
— downloadable teaching resources
These materials support educators to confidently deliver First Nations learning in early childhood classrooms.
Optional Yarn and Learn Cultural Support
Schools may also choose the Yarn and Learn program option, which provides additional cultural support for educators delivering the program.
This option allows educators to deepen their cultural understanding and strengthen their confidence when embedding First Nations learning in the classroom. Further details are provided within the course for participating educators.
Begin Teaching First Nations Learning with Confidence
Help Kindy students begin their learning journey with Country, culture and community.
Speaking with Country (YUWI)
A Full-Term First Nations Learning Program for Kindy Classrooms
Speaking with Country (YUWI) is a comprehensive Kindy term program designed to introduce young learners to First Nations cultural knowledge, language and respect for Country. The program supports educators to embed Aboriginal perspectives throughout the classroom while helping children develop an early understanding of land, culture and community.
Rather than delivering a single lesson, this program provides a structured term of learning aligned with early childhood curriculum outcomes. Through storytelling, language learning, cultural discussions and creative activities, students begin exploring how Aboriginal peoples connect with Country, animals and community.
As a result, children develop curiosity, empathy and respect for the Traditional Custodians of the land where they live.
What Students Will Explore
Throughout the term, students explore cultural concepts that help them understand Country and community.
Topics explored in the program include:
— Aboriginal nations and Traditional Custodians
— Welcome and Acknowledgment of Country
— Aboriginal languages and language diversity
— Respecting Elders and cultural knowledge
— Connection between people, land and animals
— Aboriginal storytelling and Dreaming traditions
— Understanding the seasons and nature's cycles
— Cultural responsibility for caring for Country
Through these experiences, students begin to recognise that Country is alive with stories, knowledge and relationships.
Learning Through Language, Story and Culture
Students engage with Aboriginal culture through storytelling, language activities and creative exploration. For example, students learn basic Yuwi language words, explore storytelling traditions and discuss how animals and landscapes are connected to cultural knowledge.
These learning experiences encourage curiosity and respect while helping children understand that Aboriginal cultures continue today.
Curriculum Alignment
The program aligns with early childhood learning frameworks and supports key developmental outcomes including:
— cultural awareness and respect
— empathy and social understanding
— connection to land and environment
— communication and storytelling skills
Consequently, educators can embed First Nations perspectives while supporting curriculum requirements.
Program Options
Speaking with Country (YUWI) — Kindy Term Program
Complete term program with educator resources and structured lesson plans designed for early learning classrooms.
Course Price:
$1500 + GST
Speaking with Country (YUWI) — Including Yarn and Learn
Includes the full term program plus optional Yarn and Learn educator support, providing additional cultural guidance for educators delivering the program.
Course Price:
$2130 + GST
