Lesson Guide for Primary Aged Students
Objective:
Students will learn about the importance of symbols in Aboriginal art and how they are used to convey stories from The Dreaming.
Teacher Notes:
- Role of Symbols: Explain that symbols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal art, serving as visual representations of important elements from The Dreaming. These symbols often depict animals, plants, natural features, and ancestral beings, connecting the physical and spiritual worlds.
- Cultural Respect: Emphasise that different Aboriginal groups have their own unique symbols, each with specific meanings. These symbols are sacred and should be respected; they are not to be copied or replicated in classroom activities.
Resources:
- Reading: Please see out text on Aboriginal Art Symbols to grasp a good understanding of the subject.
- Classroom: Download our free Aboriginal Symbols Flash Cards and Activities.
Activity:
- Discussion on Symbolism: Begin by discussing the role of symbols in storytelling across various cultures. Explore how symbols can convey complex ideas, emotions, or concepts without the need for words.
- Creating Personal Symbols: Instead of replicating Aboriginal symbols, encourage students to think about stories they are familiar with—whether personal, cultural, or from their favourite books—and create their own symbolic representations. These symbols should reflect the key elements of their chosen story and convey deeper meanings, similar to how Aboriginal symbols function in The Dreaming.
- Sharing and Reflection: Have students share their symbols with the class, explaining the story behind them and the meaning of their chosen symbols. This activity encourages creativity and helps students appreciate the power of symbolism in storytelling, while respecting Aboriginal cultural practices.