Engaging Aboriginal Students
Each week I receive at least one email from a teacher wanting to sign up just one or two students to Wingaru Kids. Upon unpacking the reasons why the school is only looking for a single licence, it is often because the teacher is trying to find a way to engage an Aboriginal student who is struggling in the school environment. I love talking to teachers who care enough to find a solution for kids who need the extra support. They are my favourite type of teacher and lucky for me, most teachers I have encountered since starting Wingaru Education are engaged, positive and keen to incorporate more Aboriginal perspectives in their classroom.
Wingaru Kids is only available on a whole school basis and we can't set up a single account. We made this decision for a number of reasons. Firstly thats how the platform works - it is a tool to support teachers deliver lessons on Aboriginal perspectives to the whole class. Secondly, schools will get the most benefit from having all students active on the platform. It will help their school to become a more culturally inclusive place, students will bond over the shared experience and together develop an understanding of culture, issues impacting on Aboriginal people and how working together can make the world a better place for everyone.
Aboriginal kids will benefit more from the whole school becoming culturally aware and engaged in culture. For Aboriginal kids who are struggling, a school who values Aboriginal culture is important. It gives our kids a sense of belonging, the feeling of being valued and an opportunity to share their knowledge. Watching my own child share culture with his peers is one of my favourite things about being a mum. He grows taller, his face glows with pride and it is obvious that he enjoys being able to share knowledge and feels valued for doing so.
So to those teachers who are seeking help for a koori kid who is struggling I say thank you! Thank you for caring enough to spend your time looking for a solution. I encourage you to look at ways to bring culture into your whole school and start to build an inclusive environment for your disengaged kid/s because thats what they need.
