Creating a yarning circle: site selection

Time Allocation: 45 mins

Activity Level: Moderate

Introduction

Now that you’ve decided you would like to set up a yarning circle in your school or community, it is important to figure out where to place your seating area. Important things to consider include:

The physical area or location:

  • Is it a semi-private space?
  • How big is the area? Is it big enough to fit what you have planned?
  • Will it be a comfortable area to sit in and is it protected from the elements (sun/wind/rain, etc.)?
  • Is the location inviting and where possible, does it provide a natural setting with trees, plants, etc.
  • Ground: Is the ground clear or is it overgrown with weeds that need to be removed? Will the area need regular maintenance like mowing?
  • If the site chosen happens to be concrete, how can you dress the area to make it more natural and culturally inviting? For example, you could use artwork or add raised Indigenous garden beds to make it more appealing. Even for schools without bush settings, there are lots of ways to create a Culturally inviting space.

    • Seating:

  • Are you planning on having seating installed or, if your budget is limited, will everyone be sitting on the ground or other surfaces?
  • Is the area large enough to accommodate the number of children you’re planning on using the circle with and does that take into account the size/heights of different age groups?
  • How will the size/height of the participants affect how the seating needs to be spaced?

    • Visibility and accessibility:

  • Can the group be seen by others (particularly teaching staff and other students) in the school when using the space?
  • Can you easily see each other in the circle i.e. there are no obstructions like poles, etc. in the way?
  • Is the area easily accessible by people with different abilities? For example, you may wish to invite an Elder to visit the space. Will they need to walk over uneven terrain to get there? What are your considerations for access via wheelchair, etc.?
  • Access and visibility is also important for health and safety requirements, particularly in case of emergency.

    • Once you have gone through the important considerations above, you can start thinking about how to design your yarning circle space to bring it to life.

    The next learning activity ‘Creating a yarning circle: involving First Nations people’ will provide tips on how to get the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as well as the broader school community involved.

    Checklist

  • Hats, sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Protective footwear and weather appropriate attire
  • Pencils and paper
  • First aid kit and allergy plans
  • Printable activity sheets
  • Post-it notes
  • Clipboards
  • Device for taking photos (optional)
  • Shortlist of sites – developed with school leadership
  • Sites around the school – quiet and busy sites to compare

    • Instructions

    STEP 1

    Introduction:

    Begin this activity with an Acknowledgement of Country. By acknowledging the Land, you are also making a promise that you will recognise the Cultural practices of First Nations people.

    Before you head outside, explain that today you will be comparing different sites to decide where to set up a yarning circle and to produce a persuasive argument about the preferred site.

    STEP 2

    Site evaluations:

    If you are able to work with a local Elder or First Nations group, getting their feedback about the pros and cons of a particular site can be valuable in helping to select the right location.

    Begin by going to a location that you think would NOT be a suitable site for a yarning circle. Explain that you think this probably wouldn’t be a good site.

    Hand out post-it notes and pencils.

    Sit in a circle and ask the students to evaluate the site and explain whether there are positive or negative aspects to the location. Ask the students to record these ideas on a post-it note.

    Repeat the process with the site(s) that could be better.

    STEP 3

    Discussion and elaboration:

    As a group, share your observations and the data collected on the post-it notes. If possible, it is a good idea to do this whilst sitting in the preferred space for your yarning circle. Some guiding questions include:

    • How well do we all fit in this space?
    • How do we feel when we’re in the area?
    • How well can we see and hear one another? How well can we be heard?
    • What access requirements might we need to consider in this space?

    Consider the positive and negative aspects of the different locations. 

    STEP 4

    Persuasive writing:

    Distribute the Writing Frame Activity Sheet.

    Ask students to use the Writing Frame as a template to produce a persuasive argument. Their persuasive argument should be why the site chosen would be the best location to situate the yarning circle.

    Present the arguments to School Leadership/Council and seek their feedback about the site you have selected.

    Extension Activity

    Either formally (with a sound meter) or informally, measure the volume of background noise at various parts of the school.

    Using a map of the school, review the location of the admin office, classrooms and amenities, like bathrooms. Theorise as to why they have been located there.