Create your own crow artwork inspired by a special Reconciliation Week story from Ngambri–Ngunnawal custodian Paul House.
Did you know ...
For many hundreds of generations, storytelling has been an important part of culture for Aboriginal communities in Australia.
Stories are a way to remember important information, to teach and to have fun. Sharing stories is also a way to learn more about other people.
As part of National Reconciliation Week 2020, we heard the story of the crow and eagle, as told by Ngambri–Ngunnawal custodian Paul House.
Reconciliation Week is about developing respect, trust and positive relationships between the Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In 2020 the theme we’re all 'In This Together' explained that we all have a role to play.
How to make your own crow
Make your own crow, inspired by the story of how the eagle and crow first came to the Brindabella Ranges, near Canberra.
Note: this story is recommended for children 8 years and over. The activity starts at 2:47.
Skill level: ★ Easy
Time: 15 minutes
Ages: 5 years and up
What you need:
- 2 x A4 pieces of black paper
- 1 x small piece of yellow paper
- pencil
- glue
- scissors (remember, scissors are sharp! Ask an adult for help if needed).
Step 1
- Gather your materials.
Step 2
- To make the body fold the black paper in half lengthways.
- Starting with the crease fold at the top, draw the outline of the crow's body as a large arc, or semi-circle.
- Cut out the shape of the body.
Step 3
- To make the wings fold the second piece of black paper in half lengthways.
- Starting with the crease fold at the top, draw the outline of a zig-zagged wing.
- Cut out the shape of the wings.
Step 4
- To assemble your crow, put a small amount of glue under the wing, near the fold.
- Attach the wing (glue side down) to the body.
- Bend the wings up. This makes it look more dimensional and gives your crow some personality.
Step 5
- To make the beak, cut out a small strip of yellow paper (about 10 x 2 cm) and fold the paper in half.
- Draw the beak on this paper, starting at the fold.
- Cut out the beak shape.
- Glue the larger end of the beak (away from the fold) to the underside of the body
Step 6
- To make the tail, fold a small strip of black paper length-wise
- Draw and then cut out a tail shape.
- Attach this to the underside of your bird.
Step 7
- To make the eyes, draw or cut out paper eyes and glue them on.
What other animals can you make? Perhaps an eagle or a bird you can see near your home?
