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

STORY

Adam was coming in to the school to work with Jarrah and his friends in the bush tucker garden and see what else they could do to enhance the space. He noticed that both Jarrah and Ricky were in a bit of a silly mood and not focussed on the task at hand.

Adam decided to change things up and create a yarning circle.

Adam began, “Ok guys, let’s take a break and have a seat in the circle. Let’s grab the talking stick that Uncle Paul gifted us so we know when it is our turn to speak. I want to ask you all about the next steps for our garden and what we would like to see added to the area. I have asked Mrs Smith to sit with us too and listen to your ideas so he can understand how to move the project along. Here is the talking stick, Jarrah. You can speak first.”

As the stick was passed to Jarrah he thought for a moment and then said, “I would like to see some more artwork in here. Can we design some art on the brick wall behind the garden?”

“That is a great idea,” said Adam. “Ok, can you pass the talking stick to Ricky now? Ricky what would you like to see in the garden space?”

“I think we need a good place to sit; maybe some logs or something,” he suggested. “Oh, and I also want more Midyim berries!”

The whole class laughed as they knew how much Ricky loved his berries.

“That sounds good,” said Adam. “But we better hear from Mrs Smith now too. Would you like a turn to add any thoughts?”

“Thank you, they all sound like great ideas!” said Mrs Smith. “I was thinking we could do a fundraising event with the school to raise some money for a First Nations artist to come help paint a mural on the wall. Oh, and to purchase some more Midyim berries too!” he said, smiling.

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

This activity is the seventh 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 is designed to help make sure your yarning circle is used often, as well as to make links to First Nations people’s understanding of local seasons.

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 and yarning and wellbeing.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • develop a calendar for the yarning circle
  • be empowered to utilise the space
  • incorporate First Nations weather knowledge and understanding of seasonal change.
SEASONAL NOTES

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

Did you know?

Circles were used at different times of year depending on the location of each First Nations group. They were used for ceremonial and other purposes.

Did you know?

Equinox and solstices were often important times for ceremonies and other activities, and yarning circles were used to discuss and share knowledge during these times.

Did you know?

Australia has a huge range of climatic zones so how seasons are interpreted and understood by First Nations people depends on their location.

Did you know?

Circles were used at different times of year depending on the location of each First Nations group. They were used for ceremonial and other purposes.

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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?

Love Letters to the Land

Biodiversity|First Nations Perspectives|Food Production|Waste Management

Creating a yarning circle: involving First Nations people

First Nations Perspectives

Creating a yarning circle: yarning and wellbeing

First Nations Perspectives

Creating a yarning circle: using your yarning circle

First Nations Perspectives