In Year 2 we have been:
- Working with our buddy to practise fluency, including attention to volume, tempo, expression and comprehension.
- Learning about the value of Australian coins by accumulating and adding coins together.
- Using concrete materials to share collections into equal groups.
- Using our own experiences to write recounts using the 5Ws and H planner.
We thoroughly enjoyed our excursion to CERES. It was designed to support students in building a deeper understanding of Aboriginal histories and cultures. The learning outcomes included:
• Histories of First Nations Australians
• Connections to Country/Place
• Continuity and change in cultural practices
• Identifying and connecting with elements of Aboriginal cultures
• Understanding that each Aboriginal person has a unique connection to their culture and a responsibility for caring for the land through the totems
• Exploring ways of keeping ancient knowledge and tradition alive through engaging activities like Tiddalik storytelling, ochre painting, traditional dance (Ngarrga), the Merri Merri Cultural Walk, and the traditional Marngrook game
• Identifying ways we can embed Aboriginal culture meaningfully within our school
In addition to meeting key History curriculum goals, this learning also supports two important general capabilities in the Victorian Curriculum 2.0:
• Intercultural Understanding: helping students appreciate cultural diversity, explore how cultural identities are expressed, and develop respect for cultural differences and perspectives
• Ethical Understanding: encouraging students to consider fairness, cultural respect, and the responsibilities we all share in recognising and valuing Aboriginal culture and heritage.
Later in the term, we are hoping students will use this learning as a springboard to reflect on their own cultural backgrounds, stories and traditions. This will help them recognise both shared and unique aspects of identity and deepen their understanding of community.