NAIDOC Week is a time to honour and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of First Nations peoples.
Whether at school or home, it’s the perfect opportunity to help children connect with the meaning behind this important week through art, storytelling, and hands-on creativity.
This year, inspire kids to engage and learn with our fun and educational NAIDOC Week worksheets, featuring three simple yet meaningful activities:
🏮A Lantern of Light
🔖A Bookmark of Belonging
👑 A Crown of Country
Each worksheet has been designed to spark imagination while encouraging conversations about connection to Country, community, and culture.
1. Crown of Country
Encourage kids to create their own “Crown of Country”, a headband craft decorated with symbols of First Nations peoples. Whether worn in a classroom parade or community event, it’s a fun way to honour connection to Country.
✂️ What You Need:
- Printed crown/headband worksheet
- Scissors
- Colouring pencils, crayons, or markers
- Glue stick or sticky tape
Copy paper (if needed for sizing)
🖍️ Step-by-Step Instructions:
Download and print your Crown/Headband worksheet
For best results, print the worksheet on paper or light cardstock. This will make your crown or headband sturdier and easier to decorate!Colour in it!
Use bright colours to decorate your bookmarks. Include traditional NAIDOC Week colours like red, yellow, black, green, blue and white.Cut it out
Carefully cut along the dotted lines around the shape.Add extra length (if needed)
If your crown or headband doesn’t fit all the way around your head, cut an extra strip of paper and attach it to one end with glue or tape.Size it to your head
Wrap it gently around your head to check the fit. Trim or adjust if needed.Glue or tape the ends together
Once it fits just right, glue or tape the ends together to form a circle.- Wear it with pride!
Pop it on and celebrate NAIDOC Week! Don’t forget to share what your creation means to you with friends, family or your class.
2. Bookmark of Belonging
More than just a reading tool, this printable bookmark is a space for creativity and reflection. Featuring thoughtful designs, it becomes a meaningful keepsake children can personalise and take home with pride.
✂️ What You Need:
- Printed bookmarks worksheet
- Scissors/Snap cutter
- Colouring pencils, crayons, or markers
- Hole Punch
- Ribbon
🖍️ Step-by-Step Instructions:
Download and print your “Bookmarks” worksheet
Ask an adult to help you print the sheet on paper or light card for best results.Get creative with colour!
Use bright colours to decorate your bookmarks. Include traditional NAIDOC Week colours like red, yellow, black, green, blue and white. Add meaningful symbols, patterns, or your own special designs.Carefully cut them out
Use scissors to cut along the dotted lines around each bookmark. Take your time, and ask for help if needed.Punch a hole
Use a hole punch to make a small hole at the top of each bookmark. This is where your ribbon will go!Add a ribbon
Thread a colourful ribbon or string through the hole and tie it in a knot or bow. This adds a special touch to your bookmark.Use or gift your creation
Pop it in your favourite book or give it to someone special to celebrate NAIDOC Week together!
3. Lantern of Light
Kids can decorate and assemble a paper lantern that represents the light, resilience, and contributions of First Nations communities to Australia’s history.
✂️ What You Need:
- Printed Lantern worksheet
- Scissors
- Colouring pencils, crayons, or markers
- Glue stick or tape
🖍️ Step-by-Step Instructions:
Download & print the “Lantern” worksheet
Ask an adult to help you print the sheet on paper or light card for best results.Get creative with colour!
Decorate your lantern using bright coloured crayons, pencil colours, or markers! Don’t forget to include traditional NAIDOC Week colours:
🔴 Red 🟡 Yellow ⚫ Black 🟢 Green 🔵 Blue ⚪ WhiteCarefully cut along the lines
Use scissors (or a snap cutter) to carefully cut along the lines on the template. Only cut between the lines, don’t cut through the top or bottom!Shape your lantern
Use a glue stick or tape to join the ends of the sheet together for form a tube shape.Bend the cut lines
Gently bend the slits outward with you fingers. This will give the lantern its signature puffed look.Attach the handle
– Colour the handle strip on the worksheet
– ✂️ Cut it out
– 🧷 Stick each end to the inside top edges of your lantern using glue or tape.
These worksheets provide an inclusive and respectful way for children to celebrate NAIDOC Week while gaining insights into First Nations cultures. Each activity promotes creativity, encourages empathy, and builds understanding.
For more engaging NAIDOC Week worksheets, checkout printable boomerang-themed activities and creative colouring sheets. These resources are perfect for celebrating NAIDOC Week, helping learners connect with First Nations culture through fun, educational exercises.
Download and print these worksheets to inspire creativity and cultural awareness in classrooms or at home.
