Early Childhood Breakfast Network

Description

This session, Teaching Through Culture, Not Just About It: Applying the 8 Ways of Learning in Early Childhood Contexts, will be led by Jessica Staines from Koori Curriculum.

The 8 Ways of Learning framework offers educators a powerful, relational, and culturally responsive approach that supports teaching through Aboriginal culture rather than simply teaching about it. This presentation provides an accessible overview of the 8 Ways and demonstrates how the framework functions not only as a pedagogical guide, but also as a practical planning and reflection tool that can be adapted, contextualised, and embedded within any early childhood setting.

Drawing on real-world examples from services engaged in Koori Curriculum’s Community, Country and Cultural Connections program, this session highlights how educators across diverse communities are using the 8 Ways to strengthen intercultural ways of knowing, being, and doing. Participants will see how the framework supports educators to honour local knowledge holders, build meaningful community relationships, and design learning experiences that reflect children’s identities, families, and place.
The presentation explores:

• How the 8 Ways supports educators to move beyond tokenistic inclusion toward genuine cultural embeddedness,
• Practical strategies for using the 8 Ways as a planning and reflection tool,
• Ways educators have adapted the framework to reflect their local Country, community partnerships, and cultural narratives,
• Examples of learning inquiries where cultural perspectives are woven throughout the curriculum, rather than added on,
• How this approach fosters intercultural understanding and strengthens children’s sense of belonging, identity, and connection to Country.