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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WELCOME TO COUNTRY & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WELCOME TO COUNTRY & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

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In essence, a "Welcome to Country" is a more elaborate and ceremonial act performed by Indigenous representatives to welcome people to their land, while an "Acknowledgment of Country" is a simpler statement made by event organizers or participants to show respect for the traditional owners of the land.(Stanford, 2016)

Both practices are significant in fostering understanding, cultural awareness, and reconciliation, and they are part of broader efforts to acknowledge and respect the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Australia.

I acknowledge the traditional custodians and their ongoing connection to the land, culture, and heritage. I pay my respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia, their elders, past, present, and emerging, and I recognize the significance of their contributions to this land.
In my workplace, we started off our morning with the Acknowledgement of Country and our get-together song.
An acknowledgment of the Country is a way of showing respect to the Traditional Owners of the land. Playing a daily Acknowledgement of Country is important because it encourages children to engage with diversity and respect.

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In class session 2， I was very interested in pedagogies and nurture pedagogies. A book that has left a deep impression on me. "A Pedagogy for Ecology" is a book written by Ann Pelo. Ann Pelo is an experienced educator, teacher, and author who focuses on early childhood education and environmental education. (Pelo, Ann, n.d.)The book is centered around the concept of promoting ecological understanding and environmental consciousness in young children through educational practices and pedagogy.

In "A Pedagogy for Ecology," Ann Pelo likely discusses various approaches and strategies for integrating ecological concepts into early childhood education. This may involve exploring nature, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world, and helping children develop a deeper connection to the environment. The book likely emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiences, outdoor play, and exploration as means of enhancing children's understanding of ecological systems and their place within them.

I think this book discusses how educators can help children develop a sense of belonging and connection to the natural world, leading to a stronger sense of ecological identity, and emphasizes the role of educators in critically reflecting on their teaching practices and their impact on children's relationship with nature. This self-reflection helps me refine their approach and create more meaningful learning experiences.

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Encountering a great teacher during life's journey holds immense importance. I remember a time in primary school when I got chickenpox and couldn't go to school. My teacher went beyond her role by visiting me at home and helping with my studies. This small act of kindness left a lasting mark on me. A good teacher, in my opinion, has qualities that can effectively educate and inspire students.

Coincidentally, I ended up working in preschool education. Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized how much impact a teacher can have through simple actions. My teacher's dedication not only helped me during a tough time but also influenced my career path.

After class, I watched the video "A teacher changed my life "I have a deeper understanding and thinking about this topic. In my role within the preschool education industry, I'm acutely aware of the power teachers possess to shape young minds and influence career trajectories. Reflecting on that instance from my childhood, I am reminded that educators possess the ability to inspire, guide, and nurture, often in ways that stretch far beyond the confines of a traditional classroom. Just as my teacher's intervention left an indelible impression on me, I now aspire to play a similar role in the lives of the students I have the privilege to teach, instilling in them not only knowledge but also the values of empathy and dedication that can shape their future paths.

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A Pop-Up Playground involves creating a temporary play space using loose parts and open-ended materials, where children can engage in unstructured, imaginative, and creative play. Loose parts are open-ended materials that can be manipulated and combined in various ways, allowing children to use their creativity and imagination to explore and experiment. Before this, I would throw them away as trash and now I will collect them in my life.
Creating a Pop-Up Playground with loose parts is a wonderful way to provide children with an environment that stimulates their creativity, imagination, and social skills. By offering them materials that can be adapted and transformed in countless ways, you're empowering them to take the lead in their play experiences and develop a wide range of skills.
Ninja means giving children the opportunity to engage in unstructured play without constant adult supervision or interference. This approach is rooted in the belief that children benefit from having the space and freedom to explore their environment, interact with their peers, and use their imagination without the presence of adults directing their activities.(Mini Maddern Pop-up Playground, n.d.)
I try to set up a pop-up playground where I work. I Collect a variety of open-ended materials such as cardboard boxes, fabric, ropes, sticks, tubes, crates, tires, and other items that can be used in imaginative play. This pop-up playwork study has broadened my knowledge of what children can play with.

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A boy comes to our playground. He chooses recycled packaging cartons, and with careful consideration, he begins stacking them one by one. The joy in his eyes is infectious as he meticulously arranges the cartons from the largest to the smallest. It's a display of creativity and concentration, and I find myself getting caught up in the moment, rooting for his tower to reach impressive heights.
However, nature has its plans, and a sudden gust of wind sweeps through the park. The tower of cartons, once so carefully built, crashes down in a playful dance of chaos. The boy's initial disappointment gives way to laughter. There's something oddly delightful about the unpredictability of the wind and the laughter it brings forth. The concept of place is emphasized as being integral to understanding common worlds. Places are where human and non-human differences and relationships converge. This notion underscores the importance of context and environment in shaping interactions and experiences.(Taylor & Giugni, 2012)
As I jot down this experience in my diary, I'm struck by the interconnectedness of it all. From the excitement of reconnecting with classmates to the courage needed to invite children to join us, and the simple joy of watching a tower fall and laughter fill the air – every moment carries its own significance. Today has reminded me that growth often comes when we step out of our comfort zones, embrace challenges, and find beauty in unexpected moments.

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Mini Maddern Pop-Up Playground. (n.d.). Vu.ap.panopto.com. https://vu.ap.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=e11d4034-951d-4f44-ac05-ad71003ebb54

Pelo, Ann. (n.d.). Early Childhood Webinars. https://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.com/presenters/pelo/

Pelo, A. (2009). A Pedagogy for Ecology. Rethinking Schools. https://rethinkingschools.org/articles/a-pedagogy-for-ecology/

Stanford, L. (2016, September 19). Blakworks Employment Solutions. Blakworks Employment Solutions. https://www.blakworks.com.au/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-a-welcome-to-country-an-acknowledgement-of-land

Taylor, A., & Giugni, M. (2012). Common Worlds: Reconceptualising Inclusion in Early Childhood Communities. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 13(2), 108–119. https://doi.org/10.2304/ciec.2012.13.2.108

Woo, E. (2017). A Teacher Changed My Life - Eddie Woo on SBS Insight. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No-T6NIytFE