National Sorry Day 2024 Teaching Resources
Recognise National Sorry Day in 2024 with activities, printables, and more teaching resources created with primary school students in mind.
Created by teachers for teachers, this collection of teaching resources will help your young students understand and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our National Sorry Day teaching resources will also help your students learn about the importance of First Nations culture in Australia and work towards developing a better understanding of the importance of healing and reconciliation.
Looking to integrate this day into your lesson plans? Read on for some history of the event and some tips from the teachers on the Teach Starter team to get you started.
What Is National Sorry Day?
National Sorry Day, also known as the National Day of Healing, is an annual observance in Australia that is held each May to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of the country's Indigenous peoples, particularly the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations.
The event was first held in 1998 and is a time for reflection, mourning and healing. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work that needs to be done to address the lasting impacts of these past injustices and to promote reconciliation.
When Is National Sorry Day 2024?
National Sorry Day is held each year on the 26th of May, marking the date of the release of the Bringing Them Home Report. In 2024, this will be on a Sunday. It is also a lead-in to National Reconciliation Week, which runs from 27 May to 3 June every year.
Resources to Teach the National Apology
Are you looking to write an acknowledgement of country with your class or teach about the national apology? Here are a few activities for National Sorry Day to get you started:
- Worksheets to help students build empathy, such as the I Am Sorry – Poem and Discussion Questions.
- Transcripts of the National Apology with accompanying activities for developing historical understanding, available for Middle and Upper Years.
- Posters for building vocabulary, including Why Teach about Racism? and Why Teach About the Stolen Generations?
- Craft Activities to engage younger students in the topic of the National Apology, such as the National Sorry Day – Reconciliation Hand.
- Free Plan
I Am Sorry – Poem and Discussion Questions
A poem to promote thoughtful discussion around issues of reconciliation on National Sorry Day.
- Free Plan
Acknowledgement of Country Poster
A simple Acknowledgement of Country poster to display in your classroom.
- Plus Plan
The Australian Aboriginal Flag Poster and Worksheet
Print this Australian Aboriginal Flag poster and worksheet for your classroom.
- Plus Plan
Why Teach About the Stolen Generations? Poster
An educational poster providing a rationale for teaching Australian children about the Stolen Generations.
- Plus Plan
The Apology Transcript and Activities
An excerpt from Kevin Rudd's Apology to the Stolen Generations with matching activity task cards.
- Free Plan
National Sorry Day – Mindfulness Colouring Sheet
A mindful colouring activity to promote thoughtful discussion around issues of reconciliation on National Sorry Day.
- Free Plan
National Sorry Day – Reconciliation Hand
A reconciliation hand to promote thoughtful discussion on National Sorry Day.
- Plus Plan
Why Teach About Racism? Poster
An educational poster providing a rationale for teaching Australian children about racism.
- Plus Plan
Why Teach an Aboriginal Perspective About Cook's Landing in Australia? Poster
An educational poster providing a rationale for teaching an Aboriginal perspective of Cook's landing in Australia.
- Plus Plan
National Sorry Day Teaching Presentation
A 13-slide editable PowerPoint template that provides an overview of National Sorry Day.
- Plus Plan
Why Teach About Aboriginal Smoking Ceremonies? Poster
An educational poster providing a rationale for teaching Australian children about Aboriginal Smoking Ceremonies.
- Plus Plan
Piecing Australia Together – A Reconciliation Puzzle
A puzzle to assemble when learning about National Sorry Day.
- Plus Plan
Why Teach About the National Apology? Poster
An educational poster providing a rationale for teaching Australian children about the National Apology.
- Plus Plan
Response to The National Apology Transcript
An excerpt from Professor Tom Calma's response to the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
- Plus Plan
National Sorry Day – Word Search
A word search to promote thoughtful discussion around issues of reconciliation on National Sorry Day.
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How to Write an Acknowledgement of Country With Kids: Tips for Teachers
Learn how to write an Acknowledgement of Country with kids in your primary classroom with tips from First Nations educators.
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National Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week Activities for Kids to Use in Your Classroom This Year
Use these National Reconciliation Week activities to help you and your students acknowledge and pay respect to The Stolen Generations.
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The Apology Activities for the Classroom
How do you feel when you are waiting for an apology from someone? Use these new resources to teach your students about The National Apology to the Stolen Generation.