Preparing for NAIDOC Week with MTA’s cultural resources

Modern Teaching Aids (MTA) offers a wide range of culturally responsive resources to support educators during NAIDOC Week. Developed in collaboration with First Nations and Torres Strait Islander creators, these authentic tools inspire hands-on learning, storytelling and creativity. Each item reflects a shared commitment to passing on cultural knowledge to the next generation capturing the true spirit of NAIDOC Week 2025.

 

With NAIDOC Week just around the corner, now is the time for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services to begin planning meaningful celebrations, activities and events.

 

Now in its 50th year, NAIDOC Week runs from 6 – 13 July 2025 and provides a powerful opportunity for services to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

Using art and symbols to explore Aboriginal culture

 

Culturally themed art and craft activities help to develop fine motor skills and embed cultural understanding. Two new resources bound to delight are Aboriginal Animal Track Rollers and the Aboriginal Story Rollers. These rollers impress patterns into dough or paint, featuring native animal tracks (such as kangaroo, emu, goanna) and traditional storytelling symbols.

 

 

To complement these, the Aboriginal Symbol Stampers set includes ten beautifully carved stampers. Each symbol represents aspects of hunting and connection to Country, offering an enjoyable, educational introduction to cultural storytelling through hands-on play.

 

 

For an easy way to stock up, MTA’s Aboriginal Art Creative Kit includes the rollers and stampers along with extras like A4 paper, stickers designed by artist John Smith Gumbula, shrink film animals by Luke Mallie and Creatistics dough.

 

 

Embed cultural learning with sensory experiences 

 

Sensory play offers unique opportunities for children to engage with Indigenous stories and traditions. Educators can create rich learning environments with materials like sand, play-dough, beads and shells.

 

A standout option is the Aboriginal Flag Australia Sensory Tray, which is shaped like the Australian continent and coloured in the iconic hues of the Aboriginal flag. The tray encourages sensory exploration and conversations about symbolism and meaning.

 

 

Also popular is the Aboriginal Symbols Sand Drawing Game, handcrafted from radiata pine. Children can trace symbols with their fingers and reset the sand using a wooden screed. Accompanying cards by Wiradjuri artist Shareen Clayton help deepen cultural understanding.

 

 

 

Celebrate First Nations traditions through storytelling

 

Books offer a compelling entry point into First Nations traditions and perspectives. MTA’s Sharing First Nations Stories collection features 12 picture books, each honouring spiritual and cultural connections to the country.

 

Large-format favourites like the Australian Bush Alphabet Big Book and the Counting Indigenous Discovery Big Book, written by Dharug custodian Rhiannon Wright and illustrated by Dharug artist-educator Leanne Watson Redpath, introduce children to language, numbers, flora and fauna through a uniquely Indigenous lens.

 

Incorporating Aboriginal art through games and puzzles

 

Interactive puzzles and games designed by First Nations artists provide another way for educators to embed cultural appreciation year-round.

 

 

The Aboriginal Art Dominoes set features artwork by Luke Mallie and supports matching and logic skills. The Gumbula Aboriginal Art Puzzles, designed by John Smith Gumbula, showcase earthy tones and themes of Country.

Creating a cultural storytelling corner

 

To support ongoing cultural learning, MTA suggests creating a dedicated storytelling space using culturally themed furnishings and materials.

 

The Camp Site Round Rug by First Nations artist, Caitlin Trindall, makes a striking  centrepiece.. Titled Always Connected, the rug symbolises gatherings and traditions. Matching items include the Camp Site Table Cloth and the Mirii Art Round Aboriginal Cushions Set, also by Trindall, to enhance immersion.

 

 

 

The Gathering Bush Tucker Set features handmade models of traditional bush foods like bunya nuts and wattle seeds, each displayed in a coolamon on a traditional carrying vessel.

Visual aids like the 20 Aboriginal Symbols Sign (waterproof for indoor and outdoor use) support symbol recognition and storytelling.

 

 

For dramatic play, MTA’s Aboriginal animal dress-up capes designed by Leanne Watson Redpath are available in two themed sets. Children can choose from kangaroo, emu, crocodile, magpie and cockatoo in Set 1, or dingo, turtle, eagle, shark and frog in the newly released Set 2. These capes support role-play and movement-based learning.

 

 

MTA continues to work closely with First Nations creators to offer vibrant, educational resources that honour  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These tools help educators foster meaningful cultural learning throughout NAIDOC Week and all year long.

 

To explore MTA’s full range of cultural resources for 2025, visit teaching.com.au. 

 

To connect with a local consultant, phone 1800 251 497 or email [email protected]