At Montessori Academy, we believe that early childhood education lays the foundation for a lifetime of respect, empathy, and understanding. That’s why we integrate cultural learning into aspects of our approach to early education. Our Montessori Curriculum supports this vision by providing children with hands-on experiences that help them explore diversity and build meaningful connections. Whether through storytelling, art, music, or exploration of the natural environment, every activity is designed to cultivate a sense of community, belonging, and shared responsibility.
We recognise that young children are naturally curious and open to new ideas, making the early years an ideal time to introduce concepts of cultural identity, inclusivity, and social responsibility. Embedding First Nations perspectives invites children to explore diverse ways of life respectfully and age-appropriately. Materials in the classroom also reflect cultural diversity. These include Indigenous symbols, artefacts, and books authored by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Educators are trained to approach each topic with sensitivity and accuracy, helping children form a deeper understanding of Australia’s shared history.
During National Reconciliation Week, our classrooms come alive with themed activities that support reconciliation and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Children engage in creative projects such as dot painting, collaborative murals, and storytelling that honour First Nations voices. These experiences not only enhance learning outcomes but also foster empathy and respect in each child’s personal development.
What is Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week is a dedicated time for Australians to reflect on our shared histories and promote respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider community. It is observed annually from 27 May to 3 June and commemorates two significant milestones:
- 27 May 1967: A national referendum that resulted in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples being included in the census and allowed the federal government to make laws on their behalf.
- 3 June 1992: The High Court’s Mabo decision, which legally recognised Native Title and overturned the myth of terra nullius (land belonging to no one).
Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn and reflect on First Nations histories, cultures, and contributions. It also invites exploration of ways to contribute to reconciliation. It helps us reflect on our responsibilities and the importance of creating a more equitable and inclusive Australia.
When is Reconciliation Week?
Reconciliation Week is observed each year from 27 May to 3 June. These dates mark key moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey and call for ongoing truth-telling, healing, and unity.
The week encourages Australians of all ages to participate in activities, attend events, and initiate conversations about the past, present, and future of First Nations people. For children, this period becomes a valuable opportunity to foster early understanding and respect for cultural diversity.
Reconciliation Week Activities for Children
In a Montessori setting, children are encouraged to explore the world through hands-on learning and respectful discussion. Reconciliation Week activities for children should foster cultural awareness while supporting core early learning outcomes. Below is a curated list of engaging and age-appropriate Reconciliation Week activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten children:
| Activity | Description | Skills Developed |
| Indigenous Art Dot Painting | Children use cotton buds to create dot paintings inspired by traditional Indigenous art. Use earthy tones like ochre, brown, and white. | Fine motor skills, creativity, cultural appreciation |
| Flag Craft | Children recreate the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Australian flags using paint or coloured paper. Discuss the meaning of each flag. | Colour recognition, cultural understanding |
| Storytime & Dreamtime Stories | Read books by Indigenous authors such as Bronwyn Bancroft and share Dreamtime stories like “Tiddalick the Frog.” | Listening skills, language development, cultural connection |
| Rock Painting | Invite children to paint rocks with symbols of peace, unity, or local Indigenous patterns. These can be displayed in the garden. | Artistic expression, emotional learning |
| Collaborative Mural | Each child contributes a drawing or symbol to a large class mural that represents unity and reconciliation. | Teamwork, visual storytelling |
| Nature Walk & Talk | Explore the outdoor environment, identify native plants, and discuss Aboriginal connections to Country. | Environmental awareness, oral communication |
| Sensory Play with Natural Materials | Use sand, bark, and leaves for tactile exploration and storytelling about the land. | Sensory development, imaginative play |
| Craft a Message Stick | Children decorate cardboard tubes to represent traditional message sticks used for communication. | Symbolic thinking, creativity |
| Harmony Circle Time | Facilitate group discussions about values such as respect and inclusion. Use visual aids to introduce concepts like fairness. | Social-emotional learning, vocabulary |
Montessori Academy integrates these activities with a focus on meaningful connections. Educators extend the learning by incorporating real-world contexts, this deepens children’s understanding and appreciation for First Nations culture.
Explore more cultural activities for toddlers that can support cultural awareness at home and in early learning settings.
Why Do We Celebrate Reconciliation Week?
Reconciliation Week is more than a date on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, and act. It aims to:
- Acknowledge historical injustices including the Stolen Generations, land dispossession, and cultural disconnection.
- Celebrate First Nations resilience and contributions to Australia’s cultural, artistic, and environmental heritage.
- Promote healing and inclusivity by encouraging conversations about truth, justice, and equality.
- Educate the next generation about Australia’s shared history and empower them to become respectful, empathetic citizens.
At Montessori Academy, we create opportunities for children to understand the value of diversity through simple yet powerful learning experiences. Reconciliation Week gives educators a platform to introduce important topics such as fairness, empathy, and the significance of caring for the land.
By introducing indigenous activities for children through stories, songs, and inclusive activities, educators help children build lasting values of fairness and unity. Programs like those at Montessori Childcare embed these values into daily routines, supporting long-term social awareness.
Understanding the Purpose of Reconciliation Week
The purpose of National Reconciliation Week is to promote respectful relationships and foster an inclusive national identity. Specifically, it aims to:
- Recognise and respect the unique cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Highlight the importance of truth-telling in Australia’s reconciliation journey.
- Encourage participation in national conversations around justice, equality, and healing.
When children learn about reconciliation, they begin to appreciate that history is not just about the past. It’s also about shaping the future. Through engaging in Reconciliation Week activities, early learners can explore fairness, responsibility, and unity in ways that are age-appropriate and meaningful.
Embedding Reconciliation into Montessori Practice
Montessori educators collaborate with families to share resources and connect with Indigenous community members for storytelling or cultural demonstrations, fostering authentic connections and supporting deeper learning and community engagement. By consistently integrating Indigenous perspectives into daily practices, Montessori Academy ensures cultural education is an ongoing part of every child’s development.
At Montessori Academy, reconciliation is not a one-week event, but an ongoing commitment embedded into daily learning experiences. Guided by Montessori principles and Reconciliation Australia’s vision, educators thoughtfully integrate First Nations perspectives across all curriculum areas to promote understanding, respect, and connection to Country.
In our classrooms, curated cultural shelves feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander books, artefacts, musical instruments, and maps, offering children daily opportunities to engage with the richness of Indigenous cultures. Montessori language materials are adapted to include local language words and traditional symbols, weaving cultural learning into foundational literacy skills.
Practical Life activities provide hands-on experiences with bush herbs and native plants, connecting children to Indigenous knowledge through gardening, sensory play, and food preparation. In numeracy, traditional patterns are introduced in sequencing and counting work, deepening cultural awareness through Montessori’s tactile materials.
Reconciliation Week is marked with collaborative murals, storytelling, and sensory-rich art projects using natural materials found on Country. These experiences are enriched through partnerships with Indigenous community members, who are invited to share their knowledge through stories, music, and cultural demonstrations.
Families are also involved, with take-home resources and communication extending learning beyond the classroom, ensuring reconciliation is a shared journey. Educators receive training in culturally responsive teaching, ensuring all learning experiences are accurate, respectful, and relevant for toddlers and preschoolers.
Montessori Academy embeds Indigenous perspectives into all aspects of the curriculum, from Practical Life to language, maths, and the arts. This ensures every child develops a genuine connection to Australia’s First Nations peoples and a deeper appreciation of our shared history and future.
Montessori Academy’s Ongoing Commitment
At Montessori Academy, we are committed to embedding Indigenous perspectives across our curriculum and centre practices. We aim to:
- Respect and include diverse cultural viewpoints.
- Provide children with inclusive, age-appropriate reconciliation week activities for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Foster respect for Country, culture, and community.
- Support staff with professional development on reconciliation topics.
Our educators receive ongoing training and access to inclusive resources to ensure their teaching reflects Australia’s cultural diversity. Each of our centres celebrates Reconciliation Week with intentional planning, family involvement, and a clear focus on values-based education.
Working Together Towards Reconciliation
In early childhood, the seeds of empathy and understanding are sown. By engaging in thoughtful reconciliation week activities, children begin to grasp concepts of fairness, respect, and cultural pride. At Montessori Academy, we’re proud to champion early childhood reconciliation education through engaging, age-appropriate practices.
Reconciliation is a journey that begins in the early years. Whether you’re engaging toddlers in sensory play or reading picture books that highlight First Nations stories, every activity fosters respect and inclusion in young children.
Montessori Academy encourages educators and families to:
- Use everyday opportunities to talk about fairness, kindness, and cultural pride.
- Introduce books, music, and art by First Nations creators
- Explore activities for reconciliation week that suit your child’s age and interests.
Children who are exposed to reconciliation values grow into empathetic, thoughtful individuals ready to shape a more inclusive society.
A Future Built on Respect
At Montessori Academy, we empower children through inclusive education that celebrates diversity and fosters cultural pride.
By participating in reconciliation week activities for children, your child becomes part of a larger journey towards unity and equity. From exploring Dreamtime stories to learning about symbols on Country and more, each activity strengthens their connection to Australia’s history.
We encourage families and educators to continue the conversation all year round. Reconciliation Australia offers a wide range of resources, activity guides, and support materials. Explore more about National Reconciliation Week and how to participate meaningfully.