Turtle Dreaming: Weaving

  • Updated
    16/10/24
  • Audience
    Early years, Primary school
  • Learning stage
    Early Stage 1, Stage 1
  • Learning area
    Creative Arts, First Nations, Geography, History
  • Type
    Museum educator-led
An image of woven craft turtles on a colourful felt mat
Woven craft turtles on a colourful felt mat. Image: Natalie Taylor
© Australian Museum
Book now

About the program
What is a Dreaming Story and why are they important?

Aimed at a younger audience, this museum educator-led program focuses on the natural features of land, water and sky Country through a Sydney-based turtle Dreaming Story. Students will discuss Aboriginal peoples' responsibility to care for Country. Finally, students will create their own woven turtle to care for.

This program takes place within Burra. The programs and resources have been specially designed or sourced to enable group work, hands-on experiences, exploration and open-ended questioning, which foster collaboration and critical thinking. The program will be facilitated by a museum educator, and we strongly encourage teacher, parent and guardian participation.

Learning objectives
In this program, students will:

  • identify specific terms Aboriginal peoples may use to refer to Country they connect to.
  • use language maps to distinguish Aboriginal Country and Torres Strait Islander places.
  • recognise Aboriginal peoples' responsibility to Country can incorporate physical, spiritual and cultural connections.
  • recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples connect to the features of Country in a variety of ways.
  • learn about the cultural significance of weaving using natural plants and fibres.

Audience: This program is bookable for Early Stage 1 and Stage 1
Cost: $10 (GST included) per student with a minimum cost of $100 per session. General entry to the Australian Museum is free.
Duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: Up to 30 students per session
Term: Term 1-4, 2025
Dates: Monday-Friday
Times: 10am, 11:00am, 12:15pm & 1:15pm

A Day at the Museum for disadvantaged schools
If you are classified as a disadvantaged Australian primary and/or secondary school with an ICSEA value of less than 1000, or a special school, as defined by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) you may be eligible for our A Day at the Museum program.