Unit Info

What to expect

Curriculum

V 9 Aus Curriculum

Access Duration

1 Full Year

Content

Lesson Plans, Exemplars & Videos

Prior Knowledge

None Needed

About

Is this unit right for your school?

Discover a transformative 8-week English unit based on Brenda Matthews' powerful book, The Last Daughter. This engaging unit delves into seven key themes, including culture, disconnection, trauma, reflection and interrogation, reconnection, connection, identity and belonging, and the healing story.

Through in-depth analysis, students cultivate critical thinking and language skills while gaining valuable insights into Indigenous cultures and histories.

The unit culminates with a thought-provoking book analysis and reflection task, encouraging students to explore their own personal identity and sense of belonging. Join us on a journey of storytelling that inspires a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture, fostering healing and connection to Country.

Unit Content

What are the lessons?

1. Culture

The first lesson will introduce students to The Last Daughter, the Waya Gilahna Framework, and Indigenous Culture. Through the 8-week unit, students will explore seven themes that are central to the story. By the end of the lesson, students will have a better understanding of the importance of Indigenous culture and history, and how it relates to the book.

2. Disconnection

The purpose of this lesson is to deepen students’ understanding of Brenda’s story by analysing her writing style and language. Exploring the lens of disconnection through multiple character experiences, students will reflect on their own frameworks and develop a deeper understanding of cultural perspectives.

3. Trauma

The purpose of this lesson is for students to analyse and interpret the impact of trauma, particularly generational trauma, on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Students will deepen their understanding of this concept by analysing Brenda’s experiences of trauma in the book and making connections to others and their own lives.

4. Reflection and Interrogation

This lesson encourages critical thinking and analysis of Brenda Matthews’ experiences, focusing on reflection and interrogation as tools for personal, social and emotional growth. Through written responses, students will deepen their understanding of empathy, respect, and cultural awareness, developing communication skills to express their thoughts and ideas clearly.

5. Reconnection

This lesson focuses on the theme of reconnection and its importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Through analysing Brenda’s journey of reconnection, students will gain a deeper understanding of how it can positively impact personal and community contexts. This lesson provides an opportunity for reconnection, personal growth and development while promoting understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing.

6. Connection, Identity, and Belonging

This lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging in Brenda’s story. This lesson aims to deepen students’ understanding of the importance of theme both in the book and in their own lives. By engaging with this theme, students will develop their English skills in literary analysis and creative writing, while also exploring their own identities and sense of belonging in the community and the world.

7. Connection, Identity, and Belonging 2

In this lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging by analysing Brenda’s diary entry. The lesson emphasises the importance of using language to promote positivity and encourage others to join the circle of connection. Students reflect on how they can use language in their own lives to advocate for themselves and others.

8. The Healing Story

In the final lesson of the unit, students will reflect on their transformative journey through the book and explore the powerful theme of ‘the healing story’. By the end of the lesson, students will have a deeper understanding of their own stories and how they fit into the larger circle of connection and belonging with Indigenous Australia.

1. Culture

The first lesson will introduce students to The Last Daughter, the Waya Gilahna Framework, and Indigenous Culture. Through the 8-week unit, students will explore seven themes that are central to the story. By the end of the lesson, students will have a better understanding of the importance of Indigenous culture and history, and how it relates to the book.

2. Disconnection

The purpose of this lesson is to deepen students’ understanding of Brenda’s story by analysing her writing style and language. Exploring the lens of disconnection through multiple character experiences, students will reflect on their own frameworks and develop a deeper understanding of cultural perspectives.

3. Trauma

The purpose of this lesson is for students to analyse and interpret the impact of trauma, particularly generational trauma, on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Students will deepen their understanding of this concept by analysing Brenda’s experiences of trauma in the book and making connections to others and their own lives.

4. Reflection and Interrogation

This lesson encourages critical thinking and analysis of Brenda Matthews’ experiences, focusing on reflection and interrogation as tools for personal, social and emotional growth. Through written responses, students will deepen their understanding of empathy, respect, and cultural awareness, developing communication skills to express their thoughts and ideas clearly.

5. Reconnection

This lesson focuses on the theme of reconnection and its importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Through analysing Brenda’s journey of reconnection, students will gain a deeper understanding of how it can positively impact personal and community contexts. This lesson provides an opportunity for reconnection, personal growth and development while promoting understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing.

6. Connection, Identity, and Belonging

This lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging in Brenda’s story. This lesson aims to deepen students’ understanding of the importance of theme both in the book and in their own lives. By engaging with this theme, students will develop their English skills in literary analysis and creative writing, while also exploring their own identities and sense of belonging in the community and the world.

7. Connection, Identity, and Belonging 2

In this lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging by analysing Brenda’s diary entry. The lesson emphasises the importance of using language to promote positivity and encourage others to join the circle of connection. Students reflect on how they can use language in their own lives to advocate for themselves and others.

8. The Healing Story

In the final lesson of the unit, students will reflect on their transformative journey through the book and explore the powerful theme of ‘the healing story’. By the end of the lesson, students will have a deeper understanding of their own stories and how they fit into the larger circle of connection and belonging with Indigenous Australia.

1. Culture

The first lesson will introduce students to The Last Daughter, the Waya Gilahna Framework, and Indigenous Culture. Through the 8-week unit, students will explore seven themes that are central to the story. By the end of the lesson, students will have a better understanding of the importance of Indigenous culture and history, and how it relates to the book.

2. Disconnection

The purpose of this lesson is to deepen students’ understanding of Brenda’s story by analysing her writing style and language. Exploring the lens of disconnection through multiple character experiences, students will reflect on their own frameworks and develop a deeper understanding of cultural perspectives.

3. Trauma

The purpose of this lesson is for students to analyse and interpret the impact of trauma, particularly generational trauma, on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Students will deepen their understanding of this concept by analysing Brenda’s experiences of trauma in the book and making connections to others and their own lives.

4. Reflection and Interrogation

This lesson encourages critical thinking and analysis of Brenda Matthews’ experiences, focusing on reflection and interrogation as tools for personal, social and emotional growth. Through written responses, students will deepen their understanding of empathy, respect, and cultural awareness, developing communication skills to express their thoughts and ideas clearly.

5. Reconnection

This lesson focuses on the theme of reconnection and its importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Through analysing Brenda’s journey of reconnection, students will gain a deeper understanding of how it can positively impact personal and community contexts. This lesson provides an opportunity for reconnection, personal growth and development while promoting understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing.

6. Connection, Identity, and Belonging

This lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging in Brenda’s story. This lesson aims to deepen students’ understanding of the importance of theme both in the book and in their own lives. By engaging with this theme, students will develop their English skills in literary analysis and creative writing, while also exploring their own identities and sense of belonging in the community and the world.

7. Connection, Identity, and Belonging 2

In this lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging by analysing Brenda’s diary entry. The lesson emphasises the importance of using language to promote positivity and encourage others to join the circle of connection. Students reflect on how they can use language in their own lives to advocate for themselves and others.

8. The Healing Story

In the final lesson of the unit, students will reflect on their transformative journey through the book and explore the powerful theme of ‘the healing story’. By the end of the lesson, students will have a deeper understanding of their own stories and how they fit into the larger circle of connection and belonging with Indigenous Australia.

1. Culture

The first lesson will introduce students to The Last Daughter, the Waya Gilahna Framework, and Indigenous Culture. Through the 8-week unit, students will explore seven themes that are central to the story. By the end of the lesson, students will have a better understanding of the importance of Indigenous culture and history, and how it relates to the book.

2. Disconnection

The purpose of this lesson is to deepen students’ understanding of Brenda’s story by analysing her writing style and language. Exploring the lens of disconnection through multiple character experiences, students will reflect on their own frameworks and develop a deeper understanding of cultural perspectives.

3. Trauma

The purpose of this lesson is for students to analyse and interpret the impact of trauma, particularly generational trauma, on both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Students will deepen their understanding of this concept by analysing Brenda’s experiences of trauma in the book and making connections to others and their own lives.

4. Reflection and Interrogation

This lesson encourages critical thinking and analysis of Brenda Matthews’ experiences, focusing on reflection and interrogation as tools for personal, social and emotional growth. Through written responses, students will deepen their understanding of empathy, respect, and cultural awareness, developing communication skills to express their thoughts and ideas clearly.

5. Reconnection

This lesson focuses on the theme of reconnection and its importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Through analysing Brenda’s journey of reconnection, students will gain a deeper understanding of how it can positively impact personal and community contexts. This lesson provides an opportunity for reconnection, personal growth and development while promoting understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing.

6. Connection, Identity, and Belonging

This lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging in Brenda’s story. This lesson aims to deepen students’ understanding of the importance of theme both in the book and in their own lives. By engaging with this theme, students will develop their English skills in literary analysis and creative writing, while also exploring their own identities and sense of belonging in the community and the world.

7. Connection, Identity, and Belonging 2

In this lesson, students explore the theme of connection, identity, and belonging by analysing Brenda’s diary entry. The lesson emphasises the importance of using language to promote positivity and encourage others to join the circle of connection. Students reflect on how they can use language in their own lives to advocate for themselves and others.

8. The Healing Story

In the final lesson of the unit, students will reflect on their transformative journey through the book and explore the powerful theme of ‘the healing story’. By the end of the lesson, students will have a deeper understanding of their own stories and how they fit into the larger circle of connection and belonging with Indigenous Australia.

Skills

Skills students will learn

Understanding of Indigenous Perspectives

Critical Thinking and Analysis

Enhancement of Critical Literacy Skills

Reflection on Personal Identity and Values

Creative Expression

Deepened Empathy and Compassion

Reviews

What schools are saying

100+ Happy teachers

Patrick S Wallas

Headmaster at All Saints Anglican School

It is a constant challenge in schools to find authentic, meaningful and engaging resources that successfully open the hearts and minds of our students regarding the history and ongoing struggles faced by our First Nations people in an inclusive and respectful way. 

Here at All Saints Anglican School we have been privileged to share a part of the journey of Brenda Matthews as she courageously embarked on a healing journey that was both intensely personal and representative of the collective trauma undergone by so many of our First Nations people. I challenge anyone to read Brenda’s book, ‘The Last Daughter’ without shedding a tear. 

A group of committed teachers and Brenda have spent many years developing as impressive a suite of resources as I have encountered to accompany and enhance the teaching of the text in schools. Together the book and these resources offer such an effective learning tool for our students and I recommend them to you without reservation.

Mark Stevens

Secondary Teacher at All Saints Anglican School

LC has devised very unique resources. It is a privilege to be able to access such resources with deep authentic cultural material that has arisen from First Nations thinking and connection. Such wisdom has been generously shared and formatted to transfer directly to the classroom based on Australian Curriculum. It provides the opportunity for shared learning by teachers, students and the wider school community. It is the answer to a deficit of First Nations centred learning material that has been helpful for classroom teaching to date. It provides a continuing journey of learning around relationships, healing and unity. 

Overview Document

What you need to know

TLD Book Analysis Overview

TLD Book Analysis Overview

TLD Book Analysis Overview

TLD Book Analysis Overview

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I as a teacher be supported?

Absolutely! As teachers ourselves we know the struggle of picking up lesson plans and not understanding the content and not feeling supported. At Learning Circle we put teachers first. If the teacher doesn't understand the content, how can the student possibly be expected to learn?

Can I purchase multiple units of work?

Our secondary unit of work is available for Years 7-10, allowing schools the flexibility to choose the appropriate implementation. Kindly select either Year 7,8,9 or 10. The nature of the material, including the integral book component, does not recommend its use in consecutive years.

What background knowledge do I need to have to teach the unit?

No specific background knowledge is required. We provide comprehensive resources, including key information and overviews, along with detailed lesson plans, videos, activities and exemplars. Teachers can simply log in and get started!

Is there training available for teachers on how to effectively use the unit?

We provide resources such as our Key Information Document and our free Introductory Presentation. Our resources are designed with great detail, providing teachers with everything they need to effectively implement the unit into their classrooms. Additionally, our support team is available to answer any specific questions.

Is the unit of work on a strict 8-week timeline?

The 8-week unit provides a structured plan with one lesson per week, allowing flexibility. We intentionally omitted timeframes so teachers can adapt the unit to their classroom, school and student needs. It’s a guide designed for confidence and ease, with the flexibility for teachers to adjust, add or split lessons as needed for their schedule.

Can I preview the unit of work before purchasing?

Yes, you can find a preview of the unit on our Instagram. Enquire about our free Introductory Presentation where we unravel the intricacies of each lesson, delve into engaging activities, and provide essential insights. You can also read more about what is included and its contents on our Overview Document.

How do you incorporate reading the book into the unit?

The unit takes a journey through the book, reading three chapters per week, seamlessly integrating the book’s theme’s with the lesson content.

How is the unit of work aligned with the Australian Curriculum?

Our professional team of teachers have designed each lesson to correspond directly with the learning objectives outlined in the Australian Curriculum for the respective year levels.

Will I as a teacher be supported?

Absolutely! As teachers ourselves we know the struggle of picking up lesson plans and not understanding the content and not feeling supported. At Learning Circle we put teachers first. If the teacher doesn't understand the content, how can the student possibly be expected to learn?

Can I purchase multiple units of work?

Our secondary unit of work is available for Years 7-10, allowing schools the flexibility to choose the appropriate implementation. Kindly select either Year 7,8,9 or 10. The nature of the material, including the integral book component, does not recommend its use in consecutive years.

What background knowledge do I need to have to teach the unit?

No specific background knowledge is required. We provide comprehensive resources, including key information and overviews, along with detailed lesson plans, videos, activities and exemplars. Teachers can simply log in and get started!

Is there training available for teachers on how to effectively use the unit?

We provide resources such as our Key Information Document and our free Introductory Presentation. Our resources are designed with great detail, providing teachers with everything they need to effectively implement the unit into their classrooms. Additionally, our support team is available to answer any specific questions.

Is the unit of work on a strict 8-week timeline?

The 8-week unit provides a structured plan with one lesson per week, allowing flexibility. We intentionally omitted timeframes so teachers can adapt the unit to their classroom, school and student needs. It’s a guide designed for confidence and ease, with the flexibility for teachers to adjust, add or split lessons as needed for their schedule.

Can I preview the unit of work before purchasing?

Yes, you can find a preview of the unit on our Instagram. Enquire about our free Introductory Presentation where we unravel the intricacies of each lesson, delve into engaging activities, and provide essential insights. You can also read more about what is included and its contents on our Overview Document.

How do you incorporate reading the book into the unit?

The unit takes a journey through the book, reading three chapters per week, seamlessly integrating the book’s theme’s with the lesson content.

How is the unit of work aligned with the Australian Curriculum?

Our professional team of teachers have designed each lesson to correspond directly with the learning objectives outlined in the Australian Curriculum for the respective year levels.

Will I as a teacher be supported?

Absolutely! As teachers ourselves we know the struggle of picking up lesson plans and not understanding the content and not feeling supported. At Learning Circle we put teachers first. If the teacher doesn't understand the content, how can the student possibly be expected to learn?

Can I purchase multiple units of work?

Our secondary unit of work is available for Years 7-10, allowing schools the flexibility to choose the appropriate implementation. Kindly select either Year 7,8,9 or 10. The nature of the material, including the integral book component, does not recommend its use in consecutive years.

What background knowledge do I need to have to teach the unit?

No specific background knowledge is required. We provide comprehensive resources, including key information and overviews, along with detailed lesson plans, videos, activities and exemplars. Teachers can simply log in and get started!

Is there training available for teachers on how to effectively use the unit?

We provide resources such as our Key Information Document and our free Introductory Presentation. Our resources are designed with great detail, providing teachers with everything they need to effectively implement the unit into their classrooms. Additionally, our support team is available to answer any specific questions.

Is the unit of work on a strict 8-week timeline?

The 8-week unit provides a structured plan with one lesson per week, allowing flexibility. We intentionally omitted timeframes so teachers can adapt the unit to their classroom, school and student needs. It’s a guide designed for confidence and ease, with the flexibility for teachers to adjust, add or split lessons as needed for their schedule.

Can I preview the unit of work before purchasing?

Yes, you can find a preview of the unit on our Instagram. Enquire about our free Introductory Presentation where we unravel the intricacies of each lesson, delve into engaging activities, and provide essential insights. You can also read more about what is included and its contents on our Overview Document.

How do you incorporate reading the book into the unit?

The unit takes a journey through the book, reading three chapters per week, seamlessly integrating the book’s theme’s with the lesson content.

How is the unit of work aligned with the Australian Curriculum?

Our professional team of teachers have designed each lesson to correspond directly with the learning objectives outlined in the Australian Curriculum for the respective year levels.

Will I as a teacher be supported?

Absolutely! As teachers ourselves we know the struggle of picking up lesson plans and not understanding the content and not feeling supported. At Learning Circle we put teachers first. If the teacher doesn't understand the content, how can the student possibly be expected to learn?

Can I purchase multiple units of work?

Our secondary unit of work is available for Years 7-10, allowing schools the flexibility to choose the appropriate implementation. Kindly select either Year 7,8,9 or 10. The nature of the material, including the integral book component, does not recommend its use in consecutive years.

What background knowledge do I need to have to teach the unit?

No specific background knowledge is required. We provide comprehensive resources, including key information and overviews, along with detailed lesson plans, videos, activities and exemplars. Teachers can simply log in and get started!

Is there training available for teachers on how to effectively use the unit?

We provide resources such as our Key Information Document and our free Introductory Presentation. Our resources are designed with great detail, providing teachers with everything they need to effectively implement the unit into their classrooms. Additionally, our support team is available to answer any specific questions.

Is the unit of work on a strict 8-week timeline?

The 8-week unit provides a structured plan with one lesson per week, allowing flexibility. We intentionally omitted timeframes so teachers can adapt the unit to their classroom, school and student needs. It’s a guide designed for confidence and ease, with the flexibility for teachers to adjust, add or split lessons as needed for their schedule.

Can I preview the unit of work before purchasing?

Yes, you can find a preview of the unit on our Instagram. Enquire about our free Introductory Presentation where we unravel the intricacies of each lesson, delve into engaging activities, and provide essential insights. You can also read more about what is included and its contents on our Overview Document.

How do you incorporate reading the book into the unit?

The unit takes a journey through the book, reading three chapters per week, seamlessly integrating the book’s theme’s with the lesson content.

How is the unit of work aligned with the Australian Curriculum?

Our professional team of teachers have designed each lesson to correspond directly with the learning objectives outlined in the Australian Curriculum for the respective year levels.

Still have questions?

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Request an Introductory Presentation

Important Info

Read before purchasing

  • This unit of work is designed to offer flexibility for schools to choose whether to implement it in year 7, 8, 9 or Year 10.

  • Due to the nature of the material, the unit of work is not intended for use in consecutive years, as the book forms an integral part of the resource.

  • To teach our unit of work, schools must log in to our website, requiring internet access and projector connectivity. This ensures up-to-date resources and provides continuous support, while also aligning with ethical standards.

  • Upon signing up and purchasing, schools will use one set of login credentials for multiple teachers within their school. Our website restricts log in attempts , and strict enforcement of out Terms Of Use prohibits sharing login information with unauthorised individuals.

  • Prior to the commencement of the unit of work, schools will need to deal directly with their book supplier/wholesaler to purchase The Last Daughter books by Brenda Matthews.

Unit of Work

The Last Daughter Book Analysis

$990.00

$2999

Year Level

Please Select

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Unit of Work

The Last Daughter Book Analysis

$990.00

$2999

Year Level

Please Select

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Unit of Work

The Last Daughter Book Analysis

$990.00

$2999

Year Level

Please Select

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Unit of Work

The Last Daughter Book Analysis

$990.00

$2999

Year Level

Please Select

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10