NAIDOC Week: Vocabulary Word Search Worksheets is a set of three engaging word searches that help students explore and reinforce vocabulary associated with NAIDOC Week. Each worksheet provides a fun and purposeful way to familiarise students with key terms while supporting literacy development and cultural understanding.

This activity promotes discussion about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and achievements, with words chosen to reflect the core values and themes of NAIDOC Week, such as community, legacy, strength and respect. Ideal for early finishers, literacy rotations, or as a warm-up task, this flexible resource helps set the tone for thoughtful reflection and learning.

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:

• ✅ Recognise and understand key vocabulary related to NAIDOC Week
• ✅ Build word recognition and dictionary skills through word searches
• ✅ Encourage respectful conversations about First Nations perspectives
• ✅ Connect vocabulary to broader themes of identity, culture and history

What’s Included:

• 3 NAIDOC Week word search worksheets with unique word lists
• Dedicated space for students to define each word
• Answer keys for each worksheet

Materials Needed:

• Printed word search templates
• Pencils, highlighters or coloured markers
• Optional: dictionaries or digital tools for researching word meanings

How to Use:

• Introduce key vocabulary and discuss their meanings before beginning the word search
• Allow students to highlight or shade each word as they find it in the grid
• Have students complete the vocabulary table by defining each word
• Use as a springboard for deeper discussion about the relevance of these words to NAIDOC Week

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a NAIDOC Week literacy warm-up or independent task
• 💡 Have students select their favourite word and create a sentence or short story using it
• 💡 Create a collaborative class poster using key vocabulary and student definitions
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Encourage students to use different colours to highlight words for easier visibility
• 💛 Model how to use the vocabulary table and provide a word bank for additional support
• 💛 Group students for peer collaboration and discussion during or after the activity

NAIDOC Week: Vocabulary Word Search Worksheets is a great way to reinforce key terms and concepts while celebrating the language, identity and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a respectful and accessible format.