First Nations Australians are advised that this task is based on stories of the Stolen Generations.

Help your students to develop their understanding of the Stolen Generations and comprehension skills with The Power of Words task, which they will complete following the reading of stories, such as ‘Stolen Girl’ by Trina Saffioti, ‘Took the Children Away’ by Archie Roach or ‘The Burnt Stick’ by Anthony Hill.

This task will help your class understand how First Nations Australian and wide-ranging Australian authors convey information about important historical contexts, such as the Stolen Generations, through their careful choice of words.

Each template includes a quote from a text related to the Stolen Generations. Students will consider what the quote is conveying and will respond by drawing what it makes them visualise, inferring the feelings of the character or characters, and reflecting on how it makes them feel and what it makes them wonder.

A blank version of this resource, which can be used with a text of your choice, has been included.

If you require alternate texts related to the Stolen Generations, see the list below. While these texts can be used across year levels, consider the needs of your class before using a text recommended for an older age group. Please note that some of these suggestions may not suit the requirements of this particular task.

Recommended texts for Year 4 students:

• Stolen Girl by Trina Saffioti
• Sorry Day by Coral Vass
• Found by Bruce Pascoe

Recommended texts for Year 5 students:

• Who Am I? by Anita Heiss
• They Took the Children Away by Archie Roach
• Stories for Simon by Lisa Miranda Sarzin

Recommended texts for Year 6 students:

• The Burnt Stick by Anthony Hill
• Sister Heart by Sally Morgan
• Rabbit-Proof Fence film