Reconciliation Week: Building Bridges Reflection Craft is a thoughtful and hands-on activity designed to help students explore the meaning of Reconciliation Week and reflect on their role in creating a more inclusive and respectful future. Observed annually from May 27 to June 3, Reconciliation Week follows National Sorry Day and honours the history, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, invites students to consider how their actions today can contribute to a more united tomorrow. Through this creative craft, students will design and decorate hand-shaped bridges—symbolising their individual commitments to reconciliation through understanding, respect and action. The activity encourages reflection, conversation and expression, supporting a deeper connection to the week’s purpose.

Students will create both a physical bridge, using their handprints, and a metaphorical one, by drawing or writing actions they can take to ‘build bridges’ between communities. With two crafting options provided, the activity can be tailored to suit different age groups and time allocations. The completed hands can be displayed as part of a collective class or school display, accompanied by the included themed banner.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Reflect on personal actions that promote understanding and unity
• ✅ Explore the significance of Reconciliation Week through creative expression
• ✅ Connect art, symbolism and literacy to support social-emotional learning
• ✅ Engage in meaningful discussion around respect, culture and action

What’s Included:

• Two craft options with hand template and backing page
• Printable banner for classroom or hallway display
• Teacher instructions and tips

Materials Needed:

• Printed templates on white or coloured cardstock
• Scissors, glue and black markers
• Pencils, crayons, cotton buds and paint for decoration

How to Use:

• Introduce the concept of reconciliation and discuss this year’s theme: Bridging Now to Next
• Choose between Option 1 (Ready to Decorate) or Option 2 (Craft-based version)
• Guide students to draw or write their ‘bridge-building’ actions on the hands
• Assemble the finished hand bridges on the included backing template
• Create a classroom display using the banner to showcase collective commitment

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a reflective art piece during Reconciliation Week discussions
• 💡 Pair with a writing task where students explain their chosen action in a sentence or paragraph
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day collection

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Read a First Nations picture book to spark discussion before crafting
• 💛 Outline the handprints with black marker to make your classroom display pop
• 💛 Allow students to share the meaning behind their chosen actions with the class or a partner

Reconciliation Week: Building Bridges Reflection Craft offers a meaningful opportunity for students to express their hopes, reflect on their responsibilities and take creative steps toward reconciliation—one handprint at a time.