Aboriginal Symbols: A Versatile and Meaningful Classroom Learning Tool
Aboriginal symbols are a powerful and flexible topic for classroom learning, particularly in early childhood education. They can be incorporated into art, storytelling, mathematics, and more — offering students rich opportunities to explore culture through creative and engaging activities.
For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have used symbols in art to pass down cultural knowledge and share important stories. These symbols continue to be used today across various mediums — from painting and drawing to body art, where ochre (a natural pigment made from rocks and clay) is mixed with water and applied to the skin for ceremonial purposes. This ancient practice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance.
It’s important to note that symbol meanings can vary between regions. While some may be easily recognisable, others are highly complex and may only be understood by those with specific cultural knowledge. The form and meaning of symbols are deeply tied to place, people, and language.
Engaging Children with Aboriginal Symbols
Symbols are a fantastic way to engage young learners in meaningful cross-curricular activities:
Art & Storytelling: Use Aboriginal stories alongside symbols to deepen understanding. One idea is to have children retell a Dreaming story using only symbols. This reinforces listening, comprehension, and sequencing while introducing students to a culturally rich form of communication.
Mathematics: Aboriginal symbols can be used in maths activities too. For example, animals and tracks can represent numbers or groups. Dr. Chris Matthews from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA) shares a beautiful example where children transformed the equation 4 × 2 = 8 into a dance about flying brolgas. Groups of two children danced together like birds linking up — helping to make abstract concepts concrete through movement, culture, and storytelling.
Supporting Educators
We offer a range of educational resources to help you introduce Aboriginal symbols in culturally respectful ways. However, the most meaningful learning always comes from connection — so wherever possible, engage with your local Aboriginal community or Elders to learn about the specific symbols, stories, and practices from your area.
