Kokatha at Tji Tji Wiltja Preschool
July 31, 2025
The MLT recently visited Tji Tji Wiltja Preschool in Port Augusta to run a Kokatha language workshop with young learners – introducing the children to the Kokatha words for family members through music, language activities and art. This is part of the First Nations Languages Education Program, that has run 9 workshops since the beginning of 2025, with more to come. Every second week up to 20 children at Tji Tji Wiltja take part in language learning activities with Kokatha community members, learning, speaking and engaging with the Kokatha language.
“It’s exciting and important for Aboriginal kids to hear and to speak Aboriginal languages at Tji Tji Wiltja”
Kerry Moosha, Director of Flinders Children Centre and Tji Tji Wiltja Preschool
Led by MLT staff, Kokatha Aboriginal Language Worker, Amelia Amos and Project Linguist, Juliet Mulherin. This session focused on the theme of “My Family”. The children were introduced to Kokatha words for: ngunytju (mother), mama (father), kanguṟu (older sister), kuṯa (older brother), maḻany (younger sister), maḻany (younger brother) and ngayulu (I/me).
Amelia worked with the class of 10 to practise saying words in language for the all the different members of the family. Previous workshops at Tji Tji Wiltja have included up to 20-30 students at a time.
Amelia and Juliet then taught the song to the children, using finger movements to help tell the story. Using song and games is one of the most effective ways to help young kids to learn and reinforce language. Finger movements in the song encourage children to match words in language with physical actions. Singing is a great tool to practise using the words and sounds of the Kokatha language in a fun and engaging way.
After learning the song, the children took part in a creative art activity, using paint to make handprint artworks and drawing their family members on their fingers. This artwork helped the children connect language with their own family.
Following a short break outside, everyone returned to the circle for another round of singing – repeating the song to strengthen memory and build up some confidence with the new words. Singing and finger movements in language is a fun and easy way to help children build motor skills, make social connections and grow their confidence.
These workshops form an important part of MLT’s mission to support Aboriginal languages in early childhood settings. By introducing Kokatha language through music, play and storytelling, children continue to develop their deep connection with language and culture.