Game Rules
A fascinating and informative game, “Guess the Animal in Adnyamathanha,” will allow students to get acquainted with the culture of the indigenous peoples of Australia. The Adnyamathanha are the indigenous people of Australia with their own culture, traditions, values, and language, which students will learn during the game (Who and Where, n.d.). The game is an adaptation of the Worimi people’s traditional game, Wingara.
In the game’s original version, children drew fish or animals while others tried to guess what was drawn (Australian Sports Commission, n.d.). In indigenous cultures, such games were used to pass on knowledge and cultural heritage through generations. Therefore, my game will help connect the present and the past and immerse learners in Australia’s indigenous peoples’ culture.
Game Development
A significant source of inspiration for the development of this game was the book Back on Country, which collects various stories that are the primary teaching method (Goodes et al., 2022). Stories were the primary tool for sharing knowledge, wisdom, and values (Teaching Young Children, 2022). This perception of stories and their value is preserved in my game, allowing students to understand the culture and traditions of Adnyamathanha better. In addition, storytelling is applied to introduce children to the game and provide them with instructions.
Learning and Cultural Objectives of the Game
During the game, students will learn the names of six animals in the Adnyamathanha language, including dog (Wilka), eagle (Wildu), kangaroo (Urdiu), emu (Warratyi), crow (Wakarla), and kookaburra (Vidhingala Irta). For the game, the class will be divided into five groups, which promotes teamwork and the development of students’ social skills. Each group gets a puzzle they should try solving within a minute. The use of puzzles develops problem-solving and critical analysis skills.
Moreover, it is essential to maintain an atmosphere of friendly rivalry between groups, which can be an additional motivation for students. After the group members have solved the puzzle, they must act out their animal for the class to identify the animal. For better absorption of information, children must use the names of animals in the language of the indigenous peoples (Embedding Indigenous Culture, 2021). By using the Adnyamathanha language to name animals, children can express their respect for the cultural heritage of these people.
This game is an effective tool for introducing students to the culture and history of the indigenous peoples of Australia. In addition, using various resources and techniques helps to optimize the education of students with different needs. Using a variety of approaches, including visual and auditory, improves learning (Teaching Young Children, 2022). Hence, the game promotes differentiation and considers the individual abilities and skills of the students.
In addition to education, this game develops students’ various skills and personal qualities. Fine motor skills and problem-solving are involved when students solve puzzles. Communication skills are developed through teamwork, discussions with peers, and inventing and telling stories about the animals being studied. Working in groups, students learn effective collaboration. In addition, during the game, students’ cultural empathy increases, creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere.
Reference List
Australian Sports Comission. (n.d.). Wingara [PDF document]. Web.
Embedding Indigenous culture in everyday learning and activities. (2021). Care for Kids. Web.
Goodes, A., Laing, E., & Laing E. (2022). Back on Country: Welcome to our Country. Allen & Unwin.
Teaching Young Children about Australian Indigenous Culture. (2022). Genius. Web.
Who and Where are the Adnyamathanha? (n.d.) Auslit. Web.