Amelia’s Journey with Kokatha Language in Early Childhood Education
May 20, 2025
Amelia, a proud Kokatha woman, joined the MLT Pathways to Community-Led Aboriginal Language Work in 2024. She has since been determined to share and teach the Kokatha language to the next generation. As a language speaker, Amelia has used her traineeship to enhance her skills in teaching Kokatha to young Kokatha kids, focusing on early childhood education settings.
As part of her traineeship, Amelia has worked closely with MLT’s Project Linguist’s to build language resources, create lesson plans, and run hands on language learning workshops. Following on from her traineeship in Pathways she now plays a key role in running Kokatha language learning workshops at Tji Tji Wiltja Preschool as part of MLT’s First Nations Languages Education Program (FNLEP). Through these workshops, children are engaged with Kokatha using fun and engaging methods like singing, storytelling, art and play.
As an Aboriginal Language Worker at the MLT, Amelia continues to encourage language learning by creating playful and educational resources for schools. Amelia’s goal is to foster an interest for speaking, reading and writing in Kokatha for young learners. She’s also contributed significantly to Kokatha Learn, an online platform for offering language learning opportunities for anyone interested in the Kokatha language.
Amelia continues to create more resources and run language learning workshops, ensuring that children in early childhood education have an immersive experience with the Kokatha language. Getting children talking, singing and playing in language isn’t just fun – it’s essential. It helps them develop their language skills, build confidence, and set the stage for a lifetime of learning and understanding.
Are you interested in how your language could be incorporated in education settings? The MLT runs traineeships throughout the year. Contact us to find out how you can get involved.