Objectives:         Students will understand how Aboriginal symbols represented in their visual form retain and record significant cultural information.

 

Human languages are codes that we use to share information. When humans are separated by distance, language can be encoded in other ways, including writing and other messaging codes. Traditional stories and poems often include repeated elements (rhythm, rhyme, repetition).  African drumming used for messaging employs such techniques.  Aboriginal people have for thousands of years used symbols to convey stories and messages which is an integral aspect in their culture (Artlandish, 2016).   Patterns of dots are used to represent many Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories including stars or native berries.  Other symbols such as wavy lines may indicate running water or sand hills, or a kangaroo by its tracks.

 

• For discussion - Stimulus image:  Aboriginal Symbols

• Whole class or group work:  Activity 1 = Decipher Aboriginal symbols to understand meaning.

• Whole class or group work:  Activity 2 = Draw symbols than represent a storyline.

• Individual / pair work:  Create a storyline using Aboriginal symbols.  Pair and share.

 

Differentiation:  Include Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture and elders where appropriate; VAK materials/activities.  Utilise teacher aide for lower learners.  Include concrete examples of symbols.  Modify task on carpet or outside area using chalk or sandpit.  Extension - role play storyline.

​

Assessment:  Observations.  Completion of worksheets.

​

​

Teacher Resource:   http://www.aboriginal-art-australia.com/aboriginal-art-library/symbolism-in-australian-indigenous-art/