A belonging display can start with interests rather than flags

Invite self-chosen contributions about welcoming actions or enjoyable activities. That lets children participate without selecting a national identity, explaining ancestry or accepting an adult's assumption about where they belong.

A child can add a favourite activity rather than a country marker.

Give each contributor a choice of what to share

Let contributions describe interests, ideas or welcoming actions. Belonging should not require a child to select a national or ancestral category.

Explain the purpose. Offer contribution choices. Obtain display agreement.

Can every participant choose what to share? Offer anonymous contributions.

No one needs to disclose ancestry.

Resources

• Reflection Journal Template — Record the creator, source, permission questions and planning decision before selecting classroom material.

Further reading

• AIATSIS — evaluating and selecting education resources
• Harmony Week — official organiser information

Read next

• Personal preference is not a rule about a culture
• A historical photograph is evidence of a selected view
• Different historical accounts can reflect different access to events

Explore Respectful cultural and historical inquiry. Browse all teaching articles.