Woonyoomboo

Woonyoomboo
By Jarlmadanga Aboriginal Community

Each Sharing Our Stories title focuses on one Indigenous ustralian community. The opening of each book is built around a series of photographs describing the local community setting, and establishing the community in a particular place and time.

Following this is one story shared by that particular community, which conveys a message connected to the group’s traditions or social conventions. The stories are illustrated with paintings and drawings by children from the local community. Using a mixture of traditional and modern-day influences, the artwork brings the stories to life through the children’s personal interpretations.

This is followed by quotes and photographic portraits of local children and elders. This provides a unique opportunity to meet the community that have shared their story, and to gain insight into what the story means to them. Each book concludes with the story retold in language.

Key features
Developed to be integrated into existing SOSE/HSIE/Humanities (strands/units on culture and beliefs) and English units of work
Covers a diverse range of Indigenous communities
Could have multiple uses in a literacy session, e.g. shared reading, comprehension, promotion of critical literacy skills
Genre studies – traditional tales and oral histories/storytelling; provides opportunities for students to explore recounts and narratives
Culturally relevant for Indigenous students
Includes supportive teaching notes for educators who are not confident in teaching Indigenous studies
Suitable for 9-12 year olds