July Theme 2026: Celebrating Culture, Building Friendships, and Caring for Nature
🌻 July 2026 – Programming Overview
July 2026 offers rich opportunities for children to explore culture, identity, friendship, sustainability, and community through meaningful learning experiences connected to NAIDOC Week, Matariki, World Youth Skills Day, National Tree Day, International Friendship Day, and environmental awareness events. Through play-based activities, children can develop a stronger sense of belonging, respect for diversity, confidence, communication skills, and an appreciation for the natural world. Families are encouraged to continue learning at home during the school holiday period, particularly throughout NAIDOC Week, when many children will be away from early learning settings. This provides a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers to engage children in conversations, stories, creative activities, and cultural experiences that celebrate the histories, cultures, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Families seeking additional activity ideas, inspiration, and printable resources can follow our Instagram page for simple, engaging experiences that support learning at home. Together, educators, families, and communities can help children build meaningful connections with culture, nature, and the people around them, supporting the outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the values of the National Quality Framework (NQF).
🖤💛❤️5–12 July - NAIDOC Week
🌾🚜 20–26 July - Farm Safety Week
🎒🏫 School Holidays:
27 June - 12 July: QLD, VIC, NT
4–20 July: ACT
4–19 July: SA, WA
6–17 July: NSW
11–26 July: TAS
🏫 Private schools: 27 June - 20 July
🌿 July 2026 – Weekly Programming Activities
Week 1 (1–5 July)
Focus: Culture, Diversity & Sustainability
(Tartan Day, Plastic Bag Free Day, Independence Day, Dree Festival)
Activity 1 – "Music Around the World"
0–2 years: Explore musical instruments and movement to different rhythms.
3–6 years: Listen to Scottish, Indigenous Australian, and international music and discuss different cultures.
Activity 2 – "Plastic-Free Planet"
0–2 years: Sorting reusable and natural materials during sensory play.
3–6 years: Create artwork using recycled materials and discuss caring for the environment.
EYLF Outcomes
Outcome 2: Connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 4: Confident and involved learners
NQS Alignment
QA1 – Educational Program and Practice - 1.1.2 Child-centred practice
QA3 – Physical Environment - 3.2.3 Environmentally responsible
Week 2 (6–12 July)
Focus: NAIDOC Week, Matariki & Belonging
Activity 1 – "Stars and Stories"
0–2 years: Star sensory bottles and constellation lights.
3–6 years: Create Matariki star artwork and discuss how people celebrate new beginnings.
Activity 2 – "Learning Through Country"
0–2 years: Nature exploration with leaves, sticks, stones, and sand.
3–6 years: Create collaborative artwork inspired by Country and discuss caring for land and community.
EYLF Outcomes
Outcome 1: Strong sense of identity
Outcome 2: Connected with and contribute to their world
NQS Alignment
QA1 – Educational Program and Practice - 1.2.1 Intentional teaching
QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
- 6.1.1 Engagement with the service
- 6.1.2 Parent views are respected
Week 3 (13–19 July)
Focus: Skills, Inclusion & Teamwork
(Bastille Day, World Youth Skills Day, Mandela Day, FIFA Final)
Activity 1 – "Little Builders"
0–2 years: Stacking, posting, and fine motor challenges.
3–6 years: Design and build simple structures using loose parts and blocks.
Activity 2 – "Team Spirit"
0–2 years: Ball rolling and cooperative movement games.
3–6 years: Mini soccer games and teamwork challenges inspired by the FIFA World Cup Final.
EYLF Outcomes
Outcome 3: Strong sense of wellbeing
Outcome 4: Confident and involved learners
NQS Alignment
QA1 – Educational Program and Practice - 1.2.2 Responsive teaching and scaffolding
QA5 – Relationships with Children - 5.2.1 Collaborative learning
Week 4 (20–26 July)
Focus: Space, Nature & Curiosity
(Moon Day, Whale & Dolphin Day, Self-Care Day, Schools Tree Day)
Activity 1 – "Moon Explorers"
0–2 years: Sensory moon and star play using foil, lights, and textures.
3–6 years: Create moon craters and explore simple space concepts.
Activity 2 – "Growing Green"
0–2 years: Water plants and explore natural materials.
3–6 years: Participate in Schools Tree Day by planting seeds or caring for trees.
EYLF Outcomes
Outcome 2: Connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 4: Confident and involved learners
NQS Alignment
QA3 – Physical Environment - 3.2.3 Environmentally responsible
QA1 – Educational Program and Practice - 1.3.2 Ongoing learning and reflective practice
Week 5 (27–31 July)
Focus: Friendship, Conservation & Community
Activity 1 – "Friendship Tree"
0–2 years: Handprint leaves added to a friendship tree display.
3–6 years: Create friendship leaves describing kind actions and helping behaviours.
Activity 2 – "Wildlife Protectors"
0–2 years: Explore animal figures and sounds.
3–6 years: Learn about tigers, rangers, and conservation through storytelling and dramatic play.
EYLF Outcomes
Outcome 1: Strong sense of identity
Outcome 2: Connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 5: Effective communicators
NQS Alignment
QA5 – Relationships with Children - 5.1.1 Positive educator-to-child interactions
QA3 – Physical Environment - 3.2.3 Environmentally responsible
QA6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities - 6.2.2 Access and participation
🌿 Key Outcomes
For Children
- Develop cultural awareness and respect for diversity.
- Strengthen communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Build confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
- Explore environmental responsibility through nature-based learning.
For Families
- Strengthen connections between home and learning.
- Participate in meaningful cultural and community experiences.
- Access ideas and resources to continue learning during school holidays.
For Communities
- Promote inclusion, reconciliation, and cultural understanding.
- Encourage environmental stewardship and community participation.
- Strengthen partnerships between families, educators, and local communities.
