Australia-Day.com

January 26th

6 Fun Classroom Activities to Explore and Celebrate Australia Day

Australia Day is a chance for students to explore the country's history, symbols, culture, and diversity. For primary-aged children, the best way to do this is through hands-on, creative activities that spark curiosity and teamwork. Below are six engaging classroom projects, each with clear materials lists and step-by-step instructions, that will bring the spirit of Australia Day into the classroom.

1. Aboriginal Dot Painting Inspired Artwork

Introduce it: Aboriginal dot art is one of the most recognisable styles of Indigenous Australian art. Students can explore patterns, animals, and Dreamtime stories while learning to respect and appreciate First Nations culture.

Materials

  • Black or brown paper (A4 or larger)
  • Cotton buds (ear swabs) or small paintbrushes
  • Acrylic paints (white, yellow, red, orange, brown)
  • Images of native animals for inspiration

Steps

  1. Discuss the significance of Aboriginal art and its connection to storytelling.
  2. Have students lightly sketch the outline of an animal or symbol on their paper.
  3. Using cotton buds dipped in paint, dot around the outline and then fill the interior with repeating patterns.
  4. Encourage them to experiment with colours and symmetry.
  5. Display the finished artworks as a class gallery.

2. Lamington Bake-Off (No-Cook Version)

Introduce it: Lamingtons are an Aussie icon. To keep it classroom-friendly, this activity uses pre-made sponge cake and focuses on decoration rather than ovens.

Materials

  • Pre-sliced sponge cake squares (store-bought)
  • Chocolate icing (ready-made or mixed)
  • Shredded coconut
  • Paper plates and napkins
  • Gloves and aprons

Steps

  1. Place sponge pieces on plates for each student.
  2. Have students dip or spoon chocolate icing over their sponge.
  3. Roll or sprinkle the lamingtons in shredded coconut.
  4. Share the lamingtons together or package them up for families.
  5. Wrap up with a conversation about how lamingtons became a national favourite.

3. Great Aussie Animal Quiz Game

Introduce it: From kangaroos to kookaburras, Australia's wildlife is fascinating. This quiz activity gets kids moving, thinking, and laughing.

Materials

  • Question cards (teacher-prepared with age-appropriate facts)
  • Two sets of buzzers (or simply hands raised)
  • Small prizes (stickers, pencils)

Steps

  1. Divide the class into two teams.
  2. Ask questions like "Which animal is the only one that laughs?" or "What is the fastest land animal in Australia?"
  3. The first team to buzz in and answer correctly scores a point.
  4. Add bonus challenges, such as mimicking the animal sound.
  5. Crown the winning team, but make sure every participant gets a small reward.

4. Australian Symbols Collage

Introduce it: The Australian flag, the Southern Cross, the golden wattle, and the Sydney Opera House are all well-known symbols. This activity lets students create a collaborative artwork celebrating them.

Materials

  • Large butcher's paper
  • Magazines, printouts, and coloured paper
  • Glue sticks and scissors
  • Markers and crayons

Steps

  1. Assign each group a different symbol or landmark to research and create.
  2. Students cut, draw, or colour representations of their assigned symbol.
  3. Stick everything onto the butcher's paper to form one giant Australia Day collage.
  4. Hang it up on the classroom wall as a centrepiece for the week.

5. Aussie Outdoor Games Day

Introduce it: Sports and outdoor play are central to Aussie culture. Simple traditional games can be adapted for the classroom or schoolyard.

Materials

  • Chalk for marking hopscotch or start lines
  • Beanbags or balls
  • Cones or markers

Steps

  1. Introduce games like Tunnel Ball, Down, Down, Down (handball style), or a relay race.
  2. Set up stations so groups rotate through each activity.
  3. Keep scores friendly and emphasise teamwork.
  4. Finish with a cool-down stretch and a chat about the role of sport in bringing communities together.

6. My Aussie Identity Writing and Drawing Activity

Introduce it: Australia Day can mean different things to different people. This reflective activity allows students to express what they love about their country and culture.

Materials

  • Lined paper or writing journals
  • Crayons, pencils, and markers
  • Prompt cards with questions like "What is your favourite place in Australia?" or "What makes you proud to be Australian?"

Steps

  1. Start with a discussion about what Australia Day represents.
  2. Give each student a prompt card to spark ideas.
  3. Have them write a short paragraph or draw a picture about their Aussie identity.
  4. Invite volunteers to share their work aloud.
  5. Collect and display these as part of a We Are Australia wall.

Wrapping It Up

Australia Day is more than just barbecues and beach trips. In the classroom, it becomes a chance to celebrate culture, history, and community. Whether students are dot painting, making lamingtons, or reflecting on their identity, these activities foster creativity and connection. At the end of the day, the goal is to help children understand that being Australian can mean many things, and that is exactly what makes it special.

Other Australia Day Activities for Kids

Whether you are a teacher looking for fun Australian Day classroom activities, or a parent wishing you provide your young ones with games and entertaining tasks to complete this Autralia Day, the following resources are a great place to start: