LEARNING ACTIVITY
Creating a yarning circle: using your yarning circle
Climate Region: Arid | Temperate | Tropical
State or Territory: ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Age Range: 7-13

STORY

Jarrah was very excited. Aunty Vi had spoken to his class about the importance of yarning circles and how to create one in his school. Aunty Vi mentioned that the yarning circle could be used to share knowledge and Culture, and so his school invited her son, Uncle Paul, to share a dreamtime/teaching story.

Jarrah and his classmates walked towards the old Kurrajong in their schoolyard. Uncle Paul brought out mats for them all to sit on in a circle. As Uncle Paul spoke and shared his story, Jarrah gazed out at the large Kurrajong and listened to the small native bees buzzing around its white flowers.

After Uncle Paul finished his story, he pointed out the seed pods of the Kurrajong and spoke about how they are important culturally for food and dance.

Uncle Paul then asked if anyone would like to speak and noted that they would each have their chance to speak while the others listen. Jarrah took the opportunity to say a few words.

Jarrah:“I would like to thank you, Uncle Paul, for coming to our school and sharing your story and knowledge about the Kurrajong in our yarning circle!”

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

This activity is the sixth activity in an 8-part activity sequence that has been developed to help you design, build and use a yarning circle in your space.

This activity provides a plan for how to use your yarning circle.

The order of these learning activities are: background, site selection, involving First Nations people, building the yarning circle, connecting to Landcare, using the yarning circle, yarning circle activities,yarning and wellbeing.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • understand that different cultures may have different styles of communication
  • appreciate that local native plants and animals hold important cultural elements for First Nations people
  • reflect on and share the knowledge they acquire.
SEASONAL NOTES

This activity can be undertaken at any time of the year.

Did you know?

Health organisations often use yarning circles for their healing elements and because they promote the ability for everyone to share.

Did you know?

Talking sticks are also known as yarning sticks. Yarning (or storytelling) is a way to learn from a collective group, build respectful relationships, and to preserve and pass on cultural knowledge.

Did you know?

Using a talking or yarning stick recognises turn-taking through the use of a physical object.

Did you know?

Health organisations often use yarning circles for their healing elements and because they promote the ability for everyone to share.

We value your feedback

When you have finished this learning activity, please tell us what you think with our survey.
Your feedback will help Landcare Australia improve the activities in the Junior Landcare Learning Centre.

Why not try one of our other Junior Landcare learning activities?

Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: plant list

First Nations Perspectives

Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: resources from the bush

First Nations Perspectives

Love Letters to the Land

Biodiversity|First Nations Perspectives|Food Production|Waste Management

Creating a yarning circle: involving First Nations people

First Nations Perspectives