01 Early Learning Program: Koala Dreaming Story

Classroom Activity:

Koala Shape 1:

Trace koala onto cardboard and cut out (download)
Peg a peg to a fluffy ball; dip into light grey paint and paint your koala
Add eyes/nose/mouth using black Texta.

Koala shape 2:

Trace koala onto cardboard and cut out (download)
Cut fluffy grey wool [ from Spotlight} into 5cm pieces
Glue onto cardboard koala
Draw on facial features/ or use add googley eyes

Koala in a tree:

Finger paint koala grey
Use oil pastels for leaves and tree.

More Koala craft ideas:
https://aussieanimals.com/learn/crafts-diy/koala-crafts/

Teachers Notes:

Before watching video

Today the children gathered beneath the gum tree in our outdoor play space, drawn in by the soft rustling of leaves and the warm afternoon light. As we settled onto the grass, I introduced a small plush koala.
What do the children know about Koalas?
Invite the children to imagine what life might be like high in the eucalyptus branches.
Talk about what else they would like to know.
Watch video of Koala Dreaming.

After video

Talk about what they learnt from the video and the story Koala Dreaming.
Discuss what koalas can see from their tree.
Move back outside: Children act out the koala’s slow movements; then they can collect leaves, sticks, and bark to create a “koala home” on the ground.
They show empathy for the koala, and curiosity about its habitat. The experience is a calm, imaginative moment that brings the group together through storytelling, movement, and nature play.

Koala Fact sheet

Links to the Early Years Learning Framework

Outcome 1 – Children have a strong sense of identity	Engage in shared storytelling and group collaboration Express ideas confidently and contribute to a collective narrative
Outcome 2 – Children are connected with and contribute to their world	Explore Australian animals and their habitats Show care and respect for living things and the natural environment
Outcome 3 – Children have a strong sense of wellbeing	Participate in calming sensory experiences Use movement to explore balance, coordination, and body awareness
Outcome 4 – Children are confident and involved learners	Use imagination to create and extend a story Experiment with natural materials to build and represent ideas
Outcome 5 – Children are effective communicators	Engage in oral storytelling Use expressive language, gestures, and dramatic play to communicate meaning

Intentional Teaching Strategies

Model descriptive language to enrich storytelling
Encourage children to contribute ideas and build on each other’s thinking
Provide natural materials to support imaginative representation
Ask open‑ended questions such as “What might the koala be dreaming about today”
Support children to explore movement safely when imitating koala actions
Embed gentle discussions about caring for animals and respecting nature

🌈 Follow‑Up Experiences

Create a “Koala Dreaming” art collage using leaves, bark, and charcoal
Set up a small-world koala habitat with branches, fabric, and animal figures
Invite children to draw their own koala dreams and dictate captions
Explore Aboriginal Dreaming stories (using culturally appropriate, approved resources)
Nature walk to observe trees, leaves, and habitats
Introduce simple yoga poses inspired by koala movements

🪶 Reflection for Educators

Today’s experience highlighted how deeply children connect with calm, nature‑based storytelling. The open‑ended structure allowed each child to contribute in their own way — through words, movement, or creative construction. The group remained engaged and centred, suggesting that slow, sensory-rich experiences support emotional regulation and collaborative learning.

Moving forward, it may be valuable to continue offering storytelling sessions that draw on local environments and Australian animals. Ensuring cultural sensitivity when referencing Dreaming concepts is essential, and future planning could include consultation with local Aboriginal community members to deepen authenticity and respect.

Links to the National Quality Standards

Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice

1.1.1 Approved Learning Framework

The experience is intentionally planned using the EYLF, supporting identity, wellbeing, communication, and connection to the natural world.

1.1.2 Child‑centred

Children contribute ideas to the shared story, direct the narrative, and choose how to participate (movement, storytelling, collecting materials).

1.2.1 Intentional Teaching

Educators model descriptive language, ask open‑ended questions, and scaffold children’s understanding of koalas, habitats, and caring for Country.

1.2.2 Responsive Teaching and Scaffolding

Educators respond to children’s ideas about the koala’s dreams and extend them through dramatic play, nature exploration, and collaborative storytelling.

Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety

2.1.3 Healthy Lifestyle

The calm, sensory‑rich experience supports emotional regulation and wellbeing.
Movement activities (slow climbing, stretching like a koala) promote physical development.

2.2.2 Safety

Educators supervise and guide safe climbing and exploration of natural materials.

Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment

3.2.1 Inclusive Environment

Natural materials and outdoor spaces are used to create meaningful, accessible learning opportunities for all children.

3.2.3 Environmentally Responsible

Children learn about caring for animals, respecting habitats, and valuing the natural environment.

Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children

5.1.1 Positive Educator–Child Interactions

The shared story fosters warm, trusting interactions and encourages children to express their ideas confidently.

5.2.1 Collaborative Learning

Children work together to build the koala’s home, act out movements, and co‑create the narrative.

Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities

6.2.3 Community Engagement

The experience opens opportunities to respectfully incorporate Aboriginal perspectives, including consultation with local Elders or community members when exploring Dreaming concepts.

Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership

7.2.1 Continuous Improvement