Move beyond activities and celebrations to explore Aboriginal pedagogy as a meaningful approach to teaching, learning and curriculum design.

This highly practical workshop supports educators to develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, with a particular focus on the 8 Ways of Learning framework and how it can be authentically embedded into everyday practice.

Participants will also be introduced to a range of other Aboriginal pedagogical approaches, exploring how different methodologies can enrich curriculum and create culturally responsive learning environments.

Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all model, this workshop empowers educators to design an approach that reflects the unique children, families, cultures and communities they work alongside.

• Explore the philosophy and methodology behind the 8 Ways of Learning.

• Examine additional Aboriginal pedagogies and how they complement one another.

• Unpack real examples of curriculum, learning stories, project work and environments from early childhood settings.

• Investigate practical programming templates and planning tools that make Aboriginal pedagogy visible in documentation.

• Workshop strategies for embedding Aboriginal perspectives across all curriculum areas in authentic, place-based and relationship-focused ways.

Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their current program, project books, planning documents, learning stories or other documentation.

Together, we will analyse existing practice, identify opportunities for growth, and collaboratively develop ideas that support a bespoke intercultural pedagogy tailored to each service's own context and community of practice.

Educators will leave with practical resources, planning templates, renewed confidence, and a clear pathway for embedding Aboriginal pedagogies in ways that are genuine, sustainable and responsive to the communities they serve.

Schedule:

• 8:30 am - 9:00 am: Arrival Tea/Coffee & Registration
• 9:00 am - 10:40 pm: Session 1
• 10:40 am - 11:00 am: Morning Tea
• 11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Session 2
• 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm: Lunch
• 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm: Session 3

Tickets:

• Early Bird: $199 (inc GST and booking fee)
• General: $249 (inc GST and booking fee)

Details:

• Location: The Highway | 290 Anzac Highway, Plympton
• Facilitator: Jessica Staines, Koori Curriculum Director
• Meals Included

Jessica Staines is an early childhood educator, professional speaker, author, advocate and advisor.

As the founder and director of Koori Curriculum, Jessica is committed to helping educators embed Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood education.

She has played many significant roles nationally and internationally in building cultural understanding, reconciliation and harmony, including as an Indigenous advisor to ABC’s Playschool.

Her work has been published in industry journals, and she has previously been a part of the AIATSIS Education Advisory Committee and HIPPY Reference group, contributing to the development of resources and programs that support Aboriginal children and families in the early years.

Jessica’s family are Wiradjuri and have lived off Country on Gadigal and Wangal land for four generations. Her family originally came from Cowra, Molong, Parkes and Wellington, but due to displacement, they were disconnected from their family and communities.

Today, Jessica lives on Darkinjung Country with her two children on a peaceful bush block, and is proud to identify as a Wiradjuri woman, with connections to her local Darkinjung community.