Beyond a Single Lesson: Weaving First Nations Stories Across the Curriculum
A First Nations story is like a strong woven basket, holding knowledge as old as time. But how do you know which stories are appropriate to share, and how can you carefully unpack all that they hold?
First Nations stories can open powerful pathways into history, culture, Country, identity, language, science, relationships and more. But for many educators, the challenge is not wanting to include these stories — it is knowing how to work with them respectfully, confidently and with purpose.
Beyond a Single Lesson: Weaving First Nations Stories Across the Curriculum supports educators to do exactly that.
First presented at the inaugural National First Nations Education Conference 2026 in Brisbane, this session is co-presented by Jordyn Green, founder of The Yulang Effect, and Gemma Pol, CEO of Common Ground First Nations.
Together, Jordyn and Gemma bring deep knowledge of First Nations education, storytelling and classroom practice to help educators move beyond simply choosing a story and wondering what to do next.
The session guides educators through two important questions:
Is this story appropriate for me to share?
Where can I take the learning once I have chosen it?
Participants explore:
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storytelling protocols and considerations when selecting First Nations stories
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the importance of who created the story, where it comes from and what knowledge it holds
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ways to identify meaningful learning opportunities within a story
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how one story can connect naturally across multiple curriculum areas
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ways to use quality First Nations-created resources to support more respectful and purposeful teaching
Why it Matters
There is no shortage of incredible First Nations stories available to educators.
The challenge is often knowing how to move from:
“This looks like a great story to share.”
to:
“I understand why I am sharing this story, what I need to consider before I do, and how I can build meaningful learning from it.”
When educators feel more confident making those decisions, First Nations stories can become rich, connected and meaningful parts of teaching and learning throughout the year.
What You'll Take Away
Participants are introduced to two frameworks created to support this work:
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Story Protocol Weave
A planning framework that helps educators think carefully about the story itself before bringing it into a learning space.
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Story Connection Weave
A framework that supports educators to identify meaningful connections between a First Nations story and broader learning opportunities across the curriculum.
The aim is for educators to leave not only inspired, but with something they can genuinely use.
Who It's For
This session is suitable for:
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primary and secondary educators
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early childhood educators
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teacher librarians and library staff working with children
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school leadership teams
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First Nations education teams
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tertiary education settings
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education organisations
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organisations where storytelling and education intersect
It can be delivered in person or online.
For larger audiences, the session can be presented as an engaging conference-style presentation. For smaller groups, it can be adapted into a more interactive workshop with greater opportunity for discussion, reflection and application.
Planning Your Session
Pricing varies depending on the length, format and location of the session.
A standard presentation is typically around one hour, including time for questions. Sessions can also be extended to allow for more audience interaction, discussion and time for participants to work through the Story Protocol Weave and Story Connection Weave using an additional First Nations story.
The session can be delivered online or in person. For in-person bookings, additional travel and accommodation costs may apply depending on location.
Use the enquiry form below to share a little about your event, audience and preferred format. Jordyn and Gemma can then discuss what would work best and provide pricing based on your needs.
Meet the Presenters
Jordyn Green
Teacher & Founder of The Yulang Effect
Gemma Pol
CEO of Common Ground First Nations
Jordyn Green is an Aboriginal primary teacher with over a decade of experience working in schools across Western Australia and New South Wales as both a classroom teacher and Aboriginal Education Coordinator.
Her passion for helping teachers build confidence, understanding and practical skills in First Nations education led her to found The Yulang Effect, extending that work beyond individual schools and supporting educators across Australia. In this session, Jordyn brings that experience to help educators work with First Nations stories more thoughtfully and make stronger curriculum connections.
Gemma Pol is the CEO of Common Ground First Nations, an organisation dedicated to sharing First Nations stories, cultures and knowledge in ways that are accessible, respectful and led by First Nations voices.
Through her work at Common Ground, Gemma has extensive experience in First Nations storytelling and resource development. In this session, she brings that experience to help educators think more carefully about the stories they choose, how they share them and the learning those stories can hold.
Enquire About This Session
Interested in booking Beyond a Single Lesson: Weaving First Nations Stories Across the Curriculum for your school, organisation or event?
Share a few details below and Jordyn and Gemma can yarn with you about the audience, format, timing and what delivery option may work best.