Willy-willy Wagtail

Suggested level: Years 2-6

Learning areas: English; Science; Humanities and Social Sciences

Cross-curriculum priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, with connections to Country/Place, Culture and People through bushfire, collective responsibility, communication and care for community. Sustainability, through fire, preparedness, community cooperation and maintaining healthy Country.

🧭 Suggested Australian Curriculum V9 content descriptions:
AC9E4LE01: recognise similar storylines, ideas and relationships in different contexts in literary texts by First Nations Australian and other authors
AC9S4U01: explain roles and interactions within a habitat and how food chains represent feeding relationships
AC9HS4K06: sustainable use and management of resources, including First Nations Australians' custodial responsibility for Country/Place

These are suggested starting points. Teachers should confirm the selected year-level content descriptions against their local program and student needs.

Learning focus: bushfire, community preparedness, communication and cooperation.

Practical lesson sequence

1. Before: Introduce the learning focus and essential vocabulary. Invite prior knowledge without requiring students to disclose personal or family experiences.
2. During and after: Identify signs of danger and character responsibilities, compare story actions with authoritative bushfire-safety information, then create a fictional community communication plan.
3. Evidence of learning: A sequenced safety communication showing audience, message and delivery method.

Curriculum reference: Use the suggested connections to select the most appropriate content descriptions for your year level and local program. See the Australian Curriculum Version 9.0 and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority.