Educator Yarns with Jessica Staines & Belinda Huntriss

Welcome to episode eight of Educator Yarns, co-hosts Jessica Staines and Belinda Huntriss explore the challenging but critical aspects of social justice in education and the significant backlash faced by educators when addressing Aboriginal histories and contemporary issues in educational settings. This episode is not just a reflection on challenges but a robust guide on navigating these waters with grace, backed by curriculum, and armed with resources that uphold integrity, respect, and truth. Jessica and Belinda share their personal experiences and professional strategies in response to organized attacks against educational content that includes Aboriginal perspectives, emphasizing the importance of political awareness within educational frameworks. Key Takeaways: ·       The Role of Politics in Education: Exploring the necessity and impact of including political discussions within the educational sphere. ·       Facing Backlash: Strategies on dealing with negative reactions when incorporating Aboriginal perspectives. ·       Navigating Parental Pushback: Tips on handling objections from parents regarding Aboriginal content. ·       Resource Backing: Importance of having curriculum-based justifications for teaching Aboriginal perspectives. ·       Early Learning Framework Insights: Discussion on specific outcomes related to community, inclusion, and citizenship. ·       Mental Load and Cultural Burden: The emotional challenges faced by educators working with Aboriginal content. ·       Empowering Aboriginal Children: Ensuring that Aboriginal children are informed and respected within educational narratives. ·       Anti-Bias Approach: Implementing an anti-bias curriculum to foster a strong sense of identity and respect for diversity among all children. ·       Amplifying Positive Engagement: Encouraging constructive interaction on social media to counterbalance negativity. ·       Relevance of Reconciliation Action Plans: Utilizing RAPs to maintain focus and momentum in embedding Aboriginal perspectives. Listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of how to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives effectively and respectfully into educational settings, ensuring that teaching not only informs but also transforms the young minds we are nurturing. In an era where understanding and inclusivity are more crucial than ever, this episode of Educator Yarns acts as a crucial tool for educators seeking to enrich their classrooms with comprehensive, respectful, and truthful narratives about Australia's Aboriginal heritage. Resources & full episode show notes: https://kooricurriculum.com/blogs/news/educator-yarns-season-4-episode-8-eylf-outcome-two-and-handling-racism-backlash-in-teaching-aboriginal-history 

In this deeply engaging episode of Educator Yarns, Jessica Staines and co-host Belinda Huntriss explore the intricacies of curriculum planning within the framework of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). As both delve into the significance of incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures across all educational levels, listeners are treated to a wealth of knowledge, experience, and practical advice. This episode, centred on curriculum planning and its role in the reconciliation journey, promises to shed light on making meaningful and impactful changes in educational environments. Key Takeaways: ·       The Essential Role of Curriculum Planning: Understanding its significance in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across all learning areas. ·       Requirements and Expectations: Highlighting the importance of teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories as a required component of the curriculum. ·       Moving Beyond Fear: Encouraging educators to step beyond apprehension towards implementing cultural studies into their curriculum planning. ·       Conducting a Curriculum Audit: The benefits of auditing curriculum documents to identify inclusion opportunities and areas needing enhancement. ·       Resource Creation and Auditing Practices: Insights into creating and auditing educational resources to ensure authenticity and cultural appropriateness. ·       Utilizing Australian Curriculum Guides: How curriculum guides and elaborations can offer concrete suggestions for incorporating Indigenous perspectives. ·       Innovative Lesson Examples: Sharing creative approaches to integrating Aboriginal perspectives into various subjects, including science and sustainability. ·       Resource Gaps and Recommendations: Discussing the importance of a balanced representation of Aboriginal people and culture in educational materials. ·       Engagement with Community and Cultural Protocols: The value of community consultation and co-design in developing culturally responsive curriculum. ·       Reflection and Professional Growth: The importance of ongoing reflective practice and seeking expertise to enrich curriculum content with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. By focusing on a single, significant area of reconciliation action - curriculum planning - Jessica and Belinda uncover the challenges, successes, and transformative power of integrating Indigenous knowledges into everyday learning. Educators, curriculum planners, and anyone involved in shaping the educational landscapes are encouraged to listen, reflect, and incorporate the insights from this episode into their practice for a more inclusive and reconciliatory educational journey. Resources & full episode show notes: https://kooricurriculum.com/blogs/news/educator-yarns-season-4-episode-5-foundations-for-the-future-curriculum-planning-and-reconciliation 

Welcome to another enriching episode of "Educator Yarns," where we delve into the essence of integrating Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) actions into early learning settings. Hosted by Jessica Staines, and joined by esteemed co-host Belinda Huntriss, an advocate for Aboriginal education, we embark on a journey to uncover practical strategies, shared experiences, and insightful discussions aimed at empowering educators to foster inclusive and culturally responsive environments. Here's what we cover on this episode: ·       Facing RAP Challenges Head-On: Discover how to tackle common challenges such as making community connections and delving into current affairs with confidence and respect. ·       Guidance for New Leaders: New to a directorial position or just starting your RAP journey? Gain valuable tips on where to begin and how to gather momentum. ·       Building Your RAP Working Party: Learn the best practices for creating a diverse and effective working group, including both educators and community members, to drive your RAP actions. ·       Stepping Stones to Success: Understand how utilizing deliverables as smaller milestones can facilitate achieving broader RAP goals through teamwork and shared responsibilities. ·       Engaging with the Community: Uncover the nuances of respectful and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring your service is a culturally safe space. ·       Positive Current Affairs & Cultural Events: Embrace positive stories and events within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to engage and educate children positively. ·       Empowering Through Professional Development: Highlight the significance of staff understanding and engaging with current issues to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all families. ·       Navigating Funding for RAP Initiatives: Explore various avenues for securing funding to support your RAP actions, including grants and specialized funding programs. We invite you to join our vibrant community committed to making a difference in early childhood education through cultural competence and respectful practices. Tune in, be inspired, and let's pave the way toward a more inclusive future together.   Resources & full show notes: https://kooricurriculum.com/blogs/news/educator-yarns-season-4-episode-2-planning-for-success-with-your-rap 

Dive into a Educator Yarns Season 4 Episode One with Jessica Staines, the visionary behind Koori Curriculum, and her deadly co-host Belinda Huntriss, a trailblazer in Aboriginal education. This episode marks the beginning of an innovative season for "Educator Yarns," setting the stage for a series of compelling discussions on integrating Aboriginal perspectives in early learning environments. Discover the dynamic synergy between Jessica and Belinda as they unite to answer pressing community questions and share expert insights on incorporating Aboriginal pedagogy. In this episode join Jess and Belinda as they yarn about: •         The importance of empowering educators with the knowledge and confidence to weave Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood settings meaningfully. •         Addressing common challenges faced by educators, this episode sheds light on navigating the complexities of embedding Aboriginal perspectives in early learning curricula. •         Insights into common pitfalls to avoid when integrating Aboriginal content and how to transform mistakes into learning opportunities for both educators and students. •         The appropriate inclusion of Aboriginal art and cultural practices in classrooms, delineating the fine line between appreciation and appropriation. •         A deep dive into the themes of identity, blackness, and fostering an understanding of the rich diversity within Aboriginal communities is crucial for educators. •         Reflections on the significance of National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC week themes for 2024, offering educators practical advice on engaging with these themes to foster a culture of respect and understanding. This episode stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, insightful dialogue, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the journey toward reconciliation and cultural inclusivity in education. Whether you're new to the topic or seeking to deepen your understanding, "Educator Yarns" promises to be a beacon of inspiration, empowering you to make a tangible difference in your educational practice.   Resources & full show notes: https://kooricurriculum.com/blogs/news/educator-yarns-season-4-episode-1-navigating-reconciliation-and-aboriginal-perspectives-in-early-education 

In this episode of Educator Yarns, Jessica Staines is joined by Rhi Sugars to discuss embedding Aboriginal perspectives with infants. Rhi Sugars is a passionate disability advocate and someone who identifies as having a disability. She has been an early childhood educator for fifteen years, spending much of that time working with children with disabilities and those who have experienced childhood trauma. Since the birth of her son, a proud Wiradjuri young person with multiple disabilities, Rhi has focused her advocacy work on promoting the importance of cultural identity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with disabilities and the benefits of including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in inclusive learning curricula and physical environments.

Are you wanting advice on how you can connect and work respectfully with your local Aboriginal community? If this sounds like you then listen in to our mini episode with Jess Staines as she shares advice and strategies on how you can work in respectful partnerships with Aboriginal families and communities.

Join Jessica Staines as she dives into critically reflecting on what the 26th of January means and how your team can respond. Jessica shares reflections and provocations to help aid pedagogical debate and discussion with your colleagues and ignite change for January 26th.

In this episode of Educator Yarns, Jessica Speaks with Rebecca Burch, educator and leader at Pottsville Community Preschool located on the Bundjalung Nation, Tweed Shire, Northern NSW. Rebecca discusses her Nature Explorers program which provides nature-based learning to not only the children of her service but to the broader community as well. She talks passionately about using nature as her catalyst for learning as well as the educational value found in nature enquiry and of course the power of Dadirri, a deeper more spiritual connection to Country.

On The Educator Yarns today, Jessica speaks with New Zealand educator Nicky and her experiences as a linguist and sign language interpreter within the Australian education system and Aboriginal communities Nicky speaks in detail about Two-Way Learning and the process’ by which children and educators are considered both teachers and students on equal footing. She also discusses the importance and empowerment of the child being able to share their own cultural knowledge and how her own New Zealand educational upbringing has informed her work both as a teacher and an avid advocate for first nations language.

Today’s Guest on The Educator Yarns is Primary School Teacher and Author Cathy Hope to talk about her work and study into string figures and string games. Drawing upon her wealth of knowledge and research, Cathy talks about the universal use of string figures in many first nations communities around the world but specifically how the use and similarities of the string figure designs are found and identified across many Aboriginal communities Australia wide. Celebrating how important these processes and designs were to not only play but build and design, Cathy talks about their significance and the role they play in identity and history.

Today Jessica speaks with Kelly and Rhi, about their work in  embedding Aboriginal pedagogy within their practice with children who have additional learning needs Drawing upon their own lives, family and educational experiences, they speak about the benefits of Country, and the importance of exposing children to the support of country. Kelly and Rhi discuss the importance of culture and the need to advocate for the culture of those that can’t advocate for themselves.

On Educator Yarns today Jessica speaks with Eliza, an educator working with under threes on Wurundjeri country in the Yarra Valley Eliza speaks specifically about how she began her journey into this often overlooked age group and ways she found using language and visuals to meaningfully connect children in a respectful manner to the Aboriginal Community that surrounds her service.

In this episode of Educator Yarns, Jess speaks with Anne Marie about her career in Early Childhood and the importance of building relationships when embedding Aboriginal perspectives in curriculums. Anne Marie considers her career and how through relationships she came to understand and respond to the importance of ethical decision making. She discusses her efforts in the support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business and ethical procurement practices.

Today on Educator Yarns Jessica speaks with Cassie Davis from Penrose Kindergarten Tarneit, Melbourne. Part of the Wyndham City Council of the Kulin Nations. Cassie talks about how her trip and time spent within the community of the Torres Strait Islands informed her passion and desire to embed a richer narrative of their culture within her centre and pedagogical practices. This cultural immersion experience sparked a deeper understanding of custodianship and sustainable practices within the service.

Today on Educator Yarns Jessica is joined by Linda Price from Kinglake Ranges Children’s Centre on Taungurung land in Victoria Linda reflects on how drawing upon her own passion and understanding of seasons from her home in New Zealand equipped her to use the local Taungurung seasons to embed a deeper connection to local Aboriginal culture in her curriculum.

Today on Educator Yarns Jess speaks with Bandjalang resident Cath Gillespie, educator and Director at Evans Head Preschool. Cath discusses the efforts that are made within the centre to allow children to connect with Country. Cath reflects on how this has created a deeper connection to the local Aboriginal community and has seen not only an increase in Aboriginal staff, but also in the knowledge that has been shared with the children from this community.

Today Jess Staines speaks with Alicia Hansen, a Menang Woman of WA country currently residing in Victoria where she works as an Indigenous Preschool advancement strategy facilitator across 83 different centres. Alicia talks about the importance of creating a welcoming and culturally safe service when facilitating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enrolments. Jess and Alicia also reflect on their face to face work with educators as they seek to build relationships with their local Aboriginal community.

Today on Educator Yarns, Jessica Staines speaks with Mica Corscadden. Educator at Harrietville Bush Kinder on Dhudhuroa land in Victoria Mica talks about how her passion for country and nature lead her on a journey to connect with local community. Mica yarns about how she engaged the community in consultation to ensure authenticity and respect.

Today on Educator Yarns Jessica speaks with Marnie Omeragic, Director on Wangal Land in Sydney’s Concord West. Over the past several years Marnie and her team have worked towards embedding Aboriginal perspectives and creating a greater connection to Country. Marnie has seen their efforts transform their service from a place wanting to acknowledge and respect local Aboriginal culture to becoming a place of cultural safety for local Aboriginal families and community. In this interview Marnie talks about slowing her practice down, cultivating lasting and meaningful relationships amongst the community and what it means to her and her team to work in partnership. A partnership with not only her, the families and her community, but a partnership with the land on which they stand

Today On Educator Yarns Jessica Speaks to educators Julia Timpson and Benny Thatcher, from Kelly’s Place Children’s Centre on Cameraygal Land. Julia and Benny discuss their approach to the Anti-Bias Goals as well as how the children they work with drew upon their understanding of identifying unfairness to enact several projects. One of these projects manifested to include other centres across the Country in an effort to gain signatures for the petition to have the Aboriginal flag flown permanently on the harbour bridge.