Foundation HASS - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People Unit - Australian Curriculum

In this Foundation HASS unit, students explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, their connections to Country/Place, and the special places, celebrations and stories that shape family and community life. The unit is aligned to the Australian Curriculum Version 9, with a separate WA Curriculum planner included for Western Australian teachers.

✨ A Flexible, Play‑Based Learning Sequence

This unit features ~40 fun and engaging activities arranged across a 10‑week sequenced plan.
Each week includes:

• a mat‑based introduction activity
• a play‑based learning experience
• 2–4 optional activities to choose from, including painting, hands‑on exploration, storytelling, discussions and recommended picture books

This structure gives teachers flexibility to tailor learning to their class while maintaining a clear, purposeful sequence.

✨ Clear, Practical Planning

The 10‑page editable planner provides the key information you need without overwhelming you with full lesson scripts.
Most lessons use natural or everyday materials (e.g., paint, leaves, sand) rather than worksheets.
Some activities and assessments may require an adult to annotate student responses.

A WA Curriculum version of the planner is also included.

✨ Hands‑On, Meaningful Learning

True to the Mrs Amy123 style, lessons are active, respectful and developmentally appropriate. Students learn through:

• sensory and nature‑based exploration
• storytelling and picture books
• art and painting
• small‑group investigations
• guided discussions
• play‑based learning

This unit encourages curiosity, empathy and connection while honouring cultural protocols.

✨ Teacher‑Led Cultural Research

Teachers will need to research information about their local Indigenous group.
Some general resources are included to support learning, but they may not apply to your specific community.

✨ Assessment Made Easy

An editable A–E grading guide is included, showing what achievement looks like using tasks from the unit. This guide aligns with the Foundation HASS Achievement Standard.

📦 What’s Included

• Editable planner (10 pages)
• WA Curriculum planner
• Worksheets (2 pages)
• Resources (56 pages)
• Editable assessment (1 page)
• Editable grading guide (1 page)
• Editable learning intentions & success criteria

🎯 Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum Version 9

History

• Celebrations and commemorations of significant events shared with families and others (AC9HSFK02)

Geography

• The importance of Country/Place to First Nations Australians and the Country/Place on which the school is located (AC9HSFK04)
• Features of familiar places, why some places are special, and how places can be cared for (AC9HSFK03)

Inquiry Skills

• Pose questions about familiar objects, people, places and events (AC9HSFS01)
• Sort and record information, including pictorial timelines and simple maps (AC9HSFS02)
• Share perspectives on information, such as stories about special places and events (AC9HSFS03)
• Draw conclusions in response to questions (AC9HSFS04)
• Share narratives and observations using terms about the past and places (AC9HSFS05)

🎯 Western Australian Curriculum Outcomes (Planner Included)

History

• Celebrations and commemorations of significant events shared with families and others (WAPHAKUH2)

Geography

• Places people live in and belong to, why places are special, and their significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (WAPHAKUG3)

Inquiry Skills

• Share prior knowledge about a topic (WAPHASKQ1)
• Pose and respond to natural curiosities about familiar objects, people, places and events (WAPHASKQ2)
• Sort and record information into simple categories (WAPHASKQ3)
• Explore points of view (WAPHASKA1)
• Draw conclusions based on discussions and observations (WAPHASKE1)
• Participate in decision‑making processes (WAPHASKE2)
• Share observations and ideas using everyday language (WAPHASKC1)
• Reflect on and assess learning and thinking (WAPHASKC2)

✨ A Note on Cultural Respect

I do not identify as an Indigenous Australian and encourage teachers to use resources created by First Nations authors wherever possible.
All profits from this resource are donated to organisations supporting Indigenous Australian children.

→ Other than where stated, this product is not editable.