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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldview is an essential element of the curriculum at Goodstart Early Learning Bayswater north Goodstart Early Learning center because it will make the environment culturally competent and inclusive. The given practice aligns with the values outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) that indicates the importance of respect and acknowledgement of the cultural diversity of every child, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. As long as the Indigenous perspectives are added into the curriculum, the children will know how to be thankful to the existence of the rich histories, cultures and traditions of the First People of Australia. At Goodstart, we make sure that we have a way of incorporating stories, art and music, activities that represent the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Through such exposure, the children will get to understand the significance of these cultures and how they have a permanent relationship with the land, animals and the environment. As children learn about Indigenous culture, they develop a sense of respect towards diversity and understanding that there are differences in cultures at a very young age.
A major feature of the inclusion of Indigenous voices is storytelling. Storytelling is a conventional means of heritage transmission of knowledge, history and culture among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Storytelling at Goodstart is one of the methods that allow presenting children with Indigenous traditions, legends, and the cultural values of family, community, and the environment. Teachers also introduce the Indigenous narratives, e.g. the Dreamtime narratives into the curriculum and children get to know the land and animals and the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With the help of these stories, children will be able to contemplate their relationships with the world and the relevance of respect and care about the environment. Another effective means of relating children to the culture of the Indigenous people is visual arts. At Goodstart, children are exposed to art work which is based on Aboriginal dot painting, weaving and other forms of art. These activities give children a chance to exercise their imagination along with discovering the meaning and culture behind Indigenous art. As a result of these experiences, children not only acquire their artistic abilities but also learn more about the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Moreover, Goodstart promotes the idea of teaching children about the land and its significance in the Indigenous culture. Nature walks, gardening and discovery of natural surroundings are part of the curriculum. These practices are associated with the traditional knowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have over the land, plants and animals. Teachers help children to understand that people and the natural world are interdependent and this early knowledge of sustainability, respect of nature and interdependence of all living things will help the children to grow up with the realization that all living things are connected. This corresponds to the Outcome 2: Community of the EYLF where children are prompted to learn about the world around them and contribute to it.
Moreover, Goodstart incorporates the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in the sense of involving Indigenous communities in the process. Teachers arrange to have local Indigenous elders or culture representatives to present their knowledge and experience to the children. This enables children to hear first-hand accounts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which will enhance their knowledge and develop a sense of belonging to the wider community. To sum up, the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views at Goodstart Early Learning Bayswater north Goodstart Early Learning center will help the children to understand the cultural richness of the Australian First People. Goodstart also provides a culture friendly environment that gives the children a clearer picture of the world around them through the use of stories, arts, exploring nature and participating in the local community.
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