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Build students' understanding of how language reflects identity, culture and context with this explicit, curriculum-aligned lesson centred on Wilam: A Birrarung Story. Designed to develop thoughtful readers and critical language users, this lesson guides students to analyse how authors intentionally select language to communicate perspectives, values and connections to Country.

Note: Get the most from this lesson by using it with the matching teacher slides and independent student activities. Click here to view the bundle.

Through a structured I Do, We Do, You Do approach, students closely examine how Woiwurrung language, traditional place names and culturally meaningful descriptions contribute to the meaning of the text. They investigate how these purposeful language choices reflect identity, culture and belonging, while considering how language positions readers to think, feel and respond in particular ways.

Modelled examples, guided annotation and collaborative discussion support students to identify evidence within the text and explain how language choices communicate cultural perspectives and relationships with place.

This teacher resource includes:

• Clear learning intention and success criteria
• Explicit teaching exploring how language reflects identity, culture and context
• High-quality modelled examples analysing purposeful language from Wilam: A Birrarung Story
• Guided close reading and annotation tasks
• Collaborative discussion opportunities focused on evidence-based analysis
• Scaffolded activities identifying how Woiwurrung language, traditional place names and descriptive language contribute to meaning
• Check-ins for understanding throughout the lesson
• Exit ticket assessing students' ability to explain how language choices reflect identity, cultural perspective and context

This lesson supports students to move beyond identifying language features, developing the skills to analyse how authors use language to communicate identity, culture and connection to Country. Ideal for upper primary classrooms, it provides a meaningful and engaging way to strengthen language analysis while fostering appreciation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

Format: PDF

Aligned to Australian Curriculum Outcome: Understand that language is selected for social contexts and that it helps to signal social roles and relationships (AC9E5LA01)

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