Spark creativity and cultural learning with First Nations Symbols Stones. Encourage creativity and cultural understanding with this hands-on storytelling activity. The First Nations Symbols Stones resource invites students to explore and engage with First Nations Australian culture through visual storytelling. It features culturally inspired symbols including animals, tools, plants and natural elements, sized to fit flat stones for easy handling.

This resource supports the development of oral language, sequencing and storytelling skills while also deepening cultural awareness.

How to Use

Print and cut out the symbol circles to create your own story stones. Laminate for durability or attach to physical stones or wooden discs for an authentic tactile experience. Students can use the story stones to create and retell imaginative or traditional stories, using a backdrop scene to help set the context. Background templates of different landscapes are included to support visual storytelling and set the scene.

What’s Included

1. 24 First Nations symbol story stones
2. 6 backgrounds (in colour and black and white).

Additional Tips

1. Bunnings stocks ideal stones for this activity. Look for their flat path pebbles.
2. To attach the images to stones, paint a layer of Modge Podge glue, place the image on top, then add another layer and wait to dry. Add one final layer to seal.
3. Have students randomly select 3 to 5 stones and build a story using each symbol.
4. Promote collaborative storytelling by having students take turns adding to the story.
5. Use the included backgrounds to inspire setting descriptions or explore different Australian landscapes.
6. Integrate with First Nations learning experiences to discuss the meaning and cultural significance of each symbol and how symbols have been used to share stories across generations.

Extension Ideas

1. Allow students to design and colour their own Australian landscape using one of the black and white templates.
2. Invite students to write or illustrate their story after sharing it orally.
3. Group the stones by theme such as animals, tools or nature.
4. Use the symbols for vocabulary building or classification tasks.

The images used in this resource were created as part of a commissioned art project for Top Teacher by Ryhia Dank from Nardurna. Ryhia also created the artwork that formed our Juguli Décor Pack.

This versatile resource blends creativity, communication skills and cultural understanding. It is perfect for Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week or lessons focused on First Nations perspectives.