NAIDOC Week: Activity Worksheet 1 is a fun and meaningful way to introduce students to the significance of NAIDOC Week and its annual themes. This worksheet combines engaging literacy and numeracy tasks with creative thinking and cultural awareness, making it a perfect addition to your NAIDOC Week classroom celebrations.

NAIDOC Week is held each year in the first full week of July (from Sunday to Sunday) and provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about, acknowledge and celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Each year, the week is guided by a new theme that highlights the strength, stories and contributions of First Nations communities.

This year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, encourages young people to reflect on their role in continuing the legacy of culture, resilience and truth-telling. Through this worksheet, students will participate in tasks that spark curiosity, support early comprehension and honour the significance of NAIDOC Week in age-appropriate ways.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop an awareness of the significance of NAIDOC Week
• ✅ Recognise and interpret visual symbols related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
• ✅ Engage with early literacy and numeracy tasks through a cultural lens
• ✅ Express understanding through colouring, designing and word-building

What’s Included:

• Symbol recognition and counting activity
• Maze challenge related to NAIDOC Week imagery
• Design-your-own NAIDOC Week symbol task
• Word-building challenge using the phrase ‘First Nations’

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet (one per student)
• Pencils, crayons or markers
• Optional: Indigenous art examples for inspiration

How to Use:

• Introduce NAIDOC Week to your class by discussing its purpose and this year’s theme
• Provide each student with the worksheet and materials for completion
• Guide students through each section, encouraging discussion and reflection as they work
• Display finished tasks as part of a class celebration or reflective wall

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use this worksheet as a morning task during NAIDOC Week
• 💡 Pair with read-alouds or videos about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• 💡 Combine with a nature walk or discussion on land and Country to connect to lived experiences
• 💡 Use in conjunction with other activities from our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use a class brainstorming session to explore the meaning of this year’s theme before completing the worksheet
• 💛 Offer word banks or sentence starters for students who need support during the word challenge
• 💛 Encourage open conversations and questions to deepen cultural understanding and empathy

NAIDOC Week: Activity Worksheet 1 is a low-prep yet impactful way to honour First Nations perspectives, promote inclusive learning and encourage creativity during this important week of national celebration and reflection.