NAIDOC Week: Activity Worksheet 2 provides a thoughtful and engaging way for students to deepen their understanding of NAIDOC Week. This worksheet includes a variety of literacy and history-based activities that support reflection on the values, themes and cultural significance of the week, while encouraging creative expression and critical thinking.

NAIDOC Week is held each year in the first full week of July and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This worksheet focuses on helping students connect with key vocabulary, important historical milestones and the core values at the heart of this year’s theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.

Through word games, poetry and illustration, students will engage with First Nations perspectives in a respectful and age-appropriate way. The inclusion of illustrations by our First Nations partnership artist, Ryhia Dank from Nardurna, adds a unique and culturally authentic visual element to support student learning.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Explore key language and vocabulary linked to NAIDOC Week
• ✅ Develop an understanding of significant events in First Nations history
• ✅ Reflect on the value of strength, identity and cultural pride
• ✅ Express understanding through creative writing and visual representation

What’s Included:

• NAIDOC Week vocabulary unscramble activity
• Acrostic poem template using the word ‘strength’
• Timeline matching activity linking dates to NAIDOC Week milestones
• Illustration section to creatively reflect on student understanding

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheet (one per student)
• Pencils, crayons, markers or coloured pencils
• Access to class discussion or visual aids on NAIDOC Week history and vocabulary

How to Use:

• Begin by discussing what NAIDOC Week is and highlight this year’s theme
• Guide students through the word scramble activity to activate prior knowledge
• Use the acrostic poem to explore student interpretations of strength in cultural or personal contexts
• Complete the historical matching activity using books, posters or class discussion as references
• Invite students to illustrate their understanding through a final drawing task

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use this worksheet during literacy rotations in NAIDOC Week
• 💡 Complete as a follow-up to a class discussion or picture book reading related to First Nations culture
• 💡 Combine with a class viewing of NAIDOC Week history videos or guest speaker session
• 💡 Use in conjunction with other activities from our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Provide vocabulary definitions or visuals for support during the word scramble task
• 💛 Share acrostic poems aloud or display them in the classroom to celebrate diverse voices
• 💛 Enlarge the worksheet to A3 if more writing or drawing space is needed

NAIDOC Week: Activity Worksheet 2 blends literacy, creativity and cultural appreciation into one versatile resource. It’s an excellent way to build awareness and understanding during NAIDOC Week and beyond.