NAIDOC Week is a nationwide celebration that recognises and honours the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. During this important week, participating in NAIDOC Week activities may offer meaningful ways to engage with and learn about First Nations culture. As one of the oldest living cultures in the world, Australia’s First Nations peoples carry a deep connection to the land, storytelling, and community. NAIDOC Week provides a meaningful opportunity for Australians of all ages to reflect, learn, and celebrate this cultural richness.
At Montessori Academy, we believe that introducing culture from early childhood nurtures compassion, awareness, and respect. Accordingly, cultural learning is embedded in everyday experiences as part of our Montessori Curriculum to help children grow into global citizens.
Through engaging, age-appropriate NAIDOC Week activities for children, our educators create learning experiences that inspire curiosity and foster a connection to community and land.
When is NAIDOC Week 2025?
NAIDOC Week 2025 will be held from Sunday 6 July to Sunday 13 July.
The theme for 2025 is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, which highlights the importance of empowering youth to honour their history, express their voices, and lead the way to a united future.
To learn more, you can visit the NAIDOC official website or the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s NAIDOC Week page.
NAIDOC Week Activities for Toddlers
NAIDOC Week is a beautiful opportunity to introduce babies, toddlers, and young children to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in age-appropriate, engaging ways. At Montessori Academy, we believe learning should be sensory-rich and grounded in real-world experiences, making NAIDOC Week a perfect fit for our philosophy.
These activities support fine motor development, creativity, and communication skills, while nurturing children’s sense of identity, belonging, and respect for culture.
Below are some enriching NAIDOC Week ideas for your little ones.
| Activity Name | Description |
| Australian Indigenous Daily Calendar Cards | These vibrant daily cards include symbols, artwork, and weather terms that reflect Indigenous language and seasonal understanding. They provide a beautiful way for toddlers and preschoolers to start the day by acknowledging Country and environment. |
| NAIDOC Week Presentation | This age-appropriate visual experience introduces children to NAIDOC Week using story cards, cultural symbols, and music. Typically presented during group time, it engages toddlers and older preschoolers through real-world materials. In doing so, it helps them build familiarity with Indigenous cultures and values in a sensory-rich and meaningful way. |
| Attend Local NAIDOC Events | NAIDOC Week events include festivals, art exhibitions, cultural performances, and community gatherings. These events provide a great opportunity for families to immerse themselves in Indigenous culture and history. To find local events, check community boards, local government websites, and social media. Participating in these events allows children to experience Indigenous traditions firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture. Attending NAIDOC events also supports community connection and learning through shared experiences. |
| Indigenous Art Exploration | Invite children to create First Nations-inspired artwork using earthy tones, dot painting techniques, and storytelling through art. Even babies can engage with textured materials and sensory paints, while toddlers and preschoolers can learn about traditional Indigenous symbols and colour meanings. |
| Creative Art and Craft Activities | Art and craft activities inspired by Indigenous styles can be one of the fun and educational NAIDOC week activities for children. Try creating traditional-style artworks like paintings in earthy tones, weaving, and rock art. Use natural and recycled materials to create boomerangs, animal masks, or flag collages. This NAIDOC Week activity is appropriate for children of all ages, especially toddlers and preschoolers who benefit from guided creative exploration. Art holds significant cultural importance in Indigenous communities, often telling stories and representing spiritual beliefs. By engaging in these projects, children connect with these stories and learn about the symbols and techniques used in Indigenous art. Additionally, these hands-on activities help develop fine motor skills and creativity. |
| Learn About Indigenous Stories and Music | Books, stories, and music by Indigenous creators are great resources for teaching children about Indigenous cultures. Read stories that highlight Indigenous perspectives and listen to music that features traditional instruments and themes. Incorporate storytelling and music into daily routines by setting aside time for these activities each day. Oral traditions and music play a vital role in preserving and sharing culture, and engaging with these forms of expression helps children understand and respect Indigenous heritage. Create a cozy storytelling corner or a music time to make these moments special and enriching for your family. |
| Connection to Country | Take babies and toddlers outside to feel the grass, observe trees, and listen to native bird calls. For preschoolers, educators or families can talk about the meaning of ‘Country’ and share simple phrases like, “The land we play on belongs to the Darug people,” reinforcing connection and respect. Many Montessori Academy childcare centres observe a daily Acknowledgement of Country to give thanks to the beautiful land, its original inhabitants, and country that we know as home. |
| Language Exploration | Introduce children to First Nations languages through basic words for animals, weather, or feelings. For example, say “hello” in the local language or sing a welcome song. This simple, sensory approach helps toddlers and babies begin to associate language with meaning and emotion. |
| NAIDOC Week Indigenous Symbols Sensory Tray | Set up a tray filled with sand, natural materials, and symbol stamps for children to explore Indigenous iconography through touch. This sensory experience, in particular, is ideal for babies and toddlers, as it encourages hands-on learning. |
| Storytelling Sessions | Read aloud Dreamtime stories such as Tiddalick the Frog or Welcome to Country. Use props or animal puppets to support comprehension for toddlers and babies. This NAIDOC Week activity fosters early literacy while promoting empathy and understanding. |
| Visit Local Indigenous Australian Sites | If possible, take children on an excursion to a local site of cultural significance. For example, this could be a mural, bush tucker garden, or community centre. Such outings especially benefit preschoolers by providing real-world connections to the history and stories of the land. |
| NAIDOC-Themed Classroom Display Pack | Decorate learning environments with child-friendly posters, flags, and art made by children. For example, include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, Dreamtime story displays, and quotes from Elders. This way, children will enjoy seeing their creations showcased during the week. |
Educational Resources and Tools
Learning about Indigenous cultures is enriching and fun with the right resources. For more ways to engage young children in learning about Indigenous culture, explore our free NAIDOC Week Resource Pack. These resources are suitable for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and can be used throughout the year, not just during NAIDOC Week.
We have also linked a few additional resources below to help you get started:
- Online Resources: The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and NAIDOC websites have great educational materials and activities for children.
- Books: Pick up children’s books by Indigenous authors like “Welcome to Country” by Aunty Joy Murphy and “Young Dark Emu” by Bruce Pascoe. These stories are engaging and insightful, offering a window into Indigenous cultures.
- Educational Tools: Explore interactive apps and games such as the “Our Land, Our Stories” series. These tools make learning about Indigenous history and culture accessible and fun for young children.
Make learning part of your daily routine by setting aside time for reading, storytelling, or exploring interactive content together. These tools can spark meaningful discussions and nurture your child’s curiosity about Indigenous cultures.
At Montessori Academy, we are committed to cultural education. We integrate diverse resources and activities into our curriculum, celebrating diversity and promoting respect for all cultures. Using these materials at home complements our approach and reinforces the values we cherish in our learning environments.
Why is NAIDOC Week Important?
NAIDOC Week is a vital time for reflection, recognition, and celebration. It encourages all Australians to learn from and stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For young children, engaging in these NAIDOC Week activities offers a chance to begin forming meaningful connections with the world around them, including culture, community, and shared history.
At Montessori Academy, we believe that respect, inclusion, and cultural awareness must be nurtured from the very beginning. When children are introduced to diverse cultures in their earliest years, they grow up with empathy, curiosity, and a deep respect for others.
Tips for Meaningful Engagement
Facilitating discussions about Indigenous cultures with your children can be rewarding. Here are some tips to make these conversations meaningful:
- Facilitate Discussions: Start by asking open-ended questions about what your child knows or thinks about Indigenous cultures. Use books, stories, and resources to guide these discussions. Listen to their thoughts and encourage curiosity.
- Respectful Representation: Also, ensure that the information you share is accurate and respectful. Use resources created by Indigenous authors and educators. Be sure to highlight the diversity within Indigenous cultures and avoid stereotypes. This approach promotes a deeper understanding and respect.
- Ongoing Learning: Finally, encourage your child to continue learning about Indigenous cultures beyond NAIDOC Week. Visit local cultural centres, attend community events, and explore online resources together. By making this a regular part of your family’s activities, you help reinforce the importance of cultural awareness and respect.
By integrating these practices, you help nurture your child’s appreciation for Indigenous cultures, fostering an inclusive and respectful mindset that aligns with Montessori Academy’s values.
Benefits of Learning About Indigenous Culture in Childcare
The Montessori approach is uniquely suited to supporting Indigenous education goals. Specifically, it offers a holistic, respectful, and inclusive learning environment that aligns naturally with First Nations perspectives.
At Montessori Academy, we understand that:
- It promotes multi-sensory learning and a deep connection to nature—values central to Indigenous spirituality and education.
- Montessori’s emphasis on independence, respect, peace, and care for the environment furthermore mirrors the core goals of Indigenous education.
Across all Montessori Academy childcare centres:
- Indigenous Studies are an important part of our Cultural Curriculum.
- Children also participate in daily Acknowledgment of Country activities with their educators, honouring the Traditional Custodians of the land.
- Older toddlers and preschoolers are introduced to the Aboriginal flag and sing songs as part of their cultural awareness journey.
- Additionally, an Indigenous Education Officer is appointed to guide and promote Indigenous Education throughout the year.
Overall, we believe that cultural education is essential to preparing children for a peaceful, united, and sustainable future. Through hands-on experiences, natural learning materials, and opportunities to connect with Elders and stories, we nurture a sense of responsibility and belonging.
Building Cultural Awareness Every Day
While NAIDOC Week is a key moment to celebrate Indigenous culture, its values can also be woven into everyday learning. Families and educators can support cultural awareness year-round by reading books by Indigenous authors, listening to music by First Nations artists, and talking about Country in ways that relate to children’s daily experiences, like the weather, plants, or animals they see. Additionally, visiting local cultural events, respectfully displaying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and artwork, and sharing Dreamtime stories all help children develop a deeper connection to Indigenous culture. Together, these everyday moments build empathy, understanding, and a strong foundation for inclusive, respectful relationships.
Embracing NAIDOC Week and Beyond
NAIDOC Week is more than a date on the calendar. In fact, it’s a meaningful opportunity to celebrate culture, reflect on history, and foster growth.
For young children, the rhythm of clapsticks, the colours of a painted rock, or the magic of a Dreamtime story can open lifelong pathways to understanding. These early moments are powerful because they spark curiosity, build empathy, and create bridges across generations.
At Montessori Academy, we are honoured to walk alongside families in this cultural journey. Through inclusive learning practices, carefully prepared environments, and hands-on experiences, we aim to celebrate the legacy of Australia’s First Peoples and nurture the next generation of thoughtful, respectful learners.
Let’s embrace NAIDOC Week with joy, purpose, and a deep appreciation for the cultures that shape our shared story. While NAIDOC Week offers a dedicated time for celebration, our commitment to cultural education continues year-round—helping children grow into compassionate, culturally aware citizens of the world.
You can find more information about NAIDOC Week by visiting the official NAIDOC website or exploring the Australian Government’s dedicated NAIDOC Week page, which includes resources, event details, and background on the celebration’s significance.