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Integrating Literacy into HASS teachings.

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Literacy is imperative to life in the 21 st century. It encompasses all aspects of life and allows citizens to participate productively within their communities, and afield globally. According to The Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority (ACARA, 2016) “Students become literate as they develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions to interpret and use language confidently for learning and communicating in and out of school and for participating effectively in society.” The Melbourne Declaration (MCEETYA, 2008) reinforces the importance of literally among young Australians stating “ Literacy is an essential skill for students in becoming successful learners and as a foundation for success in all learning areas.    For example, in the subject area of history literacy is evident when students use historical sources, to apply historical thinking concepts, develop texts and communicate their understanding. Furthermore, students in an early childhood setting practice emergi...
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Citizenship through Geography in Early Childhood Education

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Geography is a structured way of exploring, analyzing and understanding the characteristics of the places that make up our world, using the concepts of place, space, environment, interconnection, sustainability, scale and, change. It addresses scales, from the personal to the global and time periods from a few years to a few thousand years. (ACARA, 2013.)  In preschool and early primary classrooms, geography is often viewed traditionally, focusing on activities that build geographic skills, such as mapmaking. Brillante & Mankiw, (2015) However, in recent years, the Australian Curriculum has incorporated a personal approach to the foundation year geography sub-strand, as children learn through key concepts such as place and environment. This personal approach to learning geography allows students to begin developing views of their personal world as they investigate and discover what makes a place special, and how they can care for a place. Learning key concepts ...
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An early childhood education introduction to civics and citizenship education with an emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture.

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WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be advised this blog may contain photographs and information of deceased persons and elders which may cause sadness or distress.   The Australian Curriculum: Civics and Citizenship provide students with opportunities to investigate political and legal systems and explore the nature of citizenship, diversity, and identity in contemporary society (ACARA, 2014). In a foundational year level, students are not yet required by the Australian Curriculum to begin their learning journey into civics and citizenship education. However, as educators, we can start facilitating and developing children’s interest and involvement in this area. Particularly by focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s histories and culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures priority provide the opportunity for all young Australians to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torr...
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