At Papilio Early Learning, we believe in nurturing curious minds and compassionate hearts - and that includes helping children understand and appreciate the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As we mark National Reconciliation Week, we’re proud to share how our centres support children to respectfully explore First Nations culture through meaningful, play-based experiences. These moments are woven into their everyday learning, helping children build a sense of identity, empathy, and connection to Country.
Discovery Through Story, Art and Nature
Children at Papilio learn best through hands-on exploration - through listening, doing, imagining and creating. That’s why our approach to cultural learning is gentle, joyful and thoughtfully designed to meet them where they are.
In our art spaces, children use natural colours and materials to create dot paintings, hand stencils, and symbols that represent their family, their home, or a journey they’ve taken. Educators introduce the meaning behind traditional markings, and children begin to understand that art is a powerful form of storytelling.
During yarning circles, children gather to listen to Dreaming stories passed down over thousands of years - like the story of the Rainbow Serpent, which teaches lessons about nature, creation and respect. These storytelling moments invite questions and spark wonder, giving children space to reflect and connect.
Outdoors, children explore the natural environment with fresh eyes - planting bush herbs in garden beds, collecting eucalyptus leaves for sensory play, or learning to notice the birds and animals that live nearby. These experiences help children develop a love for the land and an early understanding of why caring for Country is so important in First Nations culture.
Each of these moments is guided by our passionate educators, with support from our Lifelong Learning Curriculum and our partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education - ensuring cultural experiences are always shared in a respectful and authentic way.
A Thoughtful and Ongoing Journey
At Papilio, we know that learning about First Nations culture isn’t just a one-time activity - it’s a journey we walk every day. Whether it’s pausing to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land each morning, celebrating language through music and movement, or learning the meanings of Country names, our educators weave culture into the rhythm of each day.
This approach is supported by ongoing professional development and our commitment to continuous growth as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan.
We’re proud to be creating inclusive environments where every child feels safe, respected, and connected - and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are honoured and embedded in daily learning.
Supporting the Learning at Home
If you’d like to keep the conversation going at home, here are some simple and meaningful ways to get involved:
- Read a picture book by a First Nations author - there are some beautiful, age-appropriate stories available, like Our Dance by Jacinta Daniher, Taylor Hampton, Janelle Burger (illustrations)
- Ask your child about the stories or songs they’ve been learning at preschool or kindergarten
- Explore your local environment and talk about what makes the land special
- Celebrate your child’s artwork and ask them to explain what it means
Together, we’re helping raise a generation of children who are thoughtful, inclusive, and deeply connected to the world around them. Reconciliation begins with learning - and we’re so proud to be part of that journey every day.