Thinking about Writing an Aboriginal Science Curriculum

Extract

A child picks up all words by listening to somebody at home (relatives) or a teacher in school. Children first learn from their parents. Mother teaches children by saying words bit by bit until the children really can understand their own tongue and the meanings of these words. In the same way teachers write words on the blackboard, say them and then explain to the children while the children listen.

This listening/hearing is the most important thing for the children. When teachers give a lesson they must first explain which part of the habitat they will talk about. Let the children listen to you carefully and give them a good explanation about these habitats around them. Prepare all the materials that you are going to use such as charts, pictures, slides, library books, if you are staying in the classroom. Prepare for an excursion if that is your lesson plan. Show these things, explain what you are talking about to give the children a better understanding, so they will remember this information.

The other important thing for the children to do, apart from listening, is for them to talk. There is only one way for the teacher to know if the children understand the lesson. The teacher must ask questions to see if the children know the answers. The teacher must ask the children to talk about the topic to see if they can memorize the information and use the science skills (see Skills section).