Reconciliation and young children

Review this video clip of Early Childhood teacher, Adam Duncan, speaking about exploring reconciliation with young children.

After viewing the video clip, discuss the following questions with your class:

1. Adam suggests that there are still many avenues that remain unexplored in terms of engaging with culture, and engaging with the history of Australia, largely because teaching and learning about these things is often seen as “difficult” and “uncomfortable.” What do you think some of these unexplored avenues might be, and how can removing “otherness” through a focus on humanity help to lessen the discomfort?
2. Is the concept of reconciliation ‘too advanced’ for young children, and ‘something to be pursued later on?’ Discuss through drawing on Adam’s explanations.
3. Adam speaks about the importance of fostering a more holistic and balanced view of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia in education. What do you think he means by this?
4. What does Adam identify as the benefits of this more holistic and balanced approach to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in the curriculum?
5. What are some things all early learning services and schools can do to promote an understanding of reconciliation among all children?
6. Adam expresses that, to him, reconciliation is about embracing our differences. What is your personal vision of reconciliation?
7. What are some things you could do to support your vision of reconciliation in the classroom? Brainstorm and discuss.