Bush Tucker Honey Ant and Coolamon Set

Explore the rich traditions of Aboriginal bush tucker with this thoughtfully crafted Honey Ant and Coolamon Set. For tens of thousands of years, Aboriginal peoples have gathered native plant and animal foods, passing down deep knowledge of sustainable harvesting and care for Country.

Found in Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions, honey ants store sweet honeydew in their swollen abdomens. Traditionally gathered with care and respect, they are collected in Coolamons and enjoyed as a natural sweet treat. This set provides educators with a meaningful way to introduce children to bush foods, cultural knowledge, and sustainability practices through hands-on dramatic play.

Designed for early learning environments, this engaging set supports storytelling, inquiry-based learning, and respectful embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.

Set Includes:

• 3 x Honey Ants (approx. 4cm long)

• 1 x Coolamon (approx. 10.5cm L x 9cm W)

Why Educators Love It:

• Supports embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives

• Encourages respectful exploration of traditional bush foods

• Promotes understanding of sustainable harvesting practices

• Ideal for dramatic play, cultural studies, and inquiry projects

• Durable classroom resource for repeated use

How to Use It:

• Incorporate into bush tucker or sustainability units

• Add to dramatic play kitchens or outdoor learning areas

• Use during NAIDOC Week or Reconciliation Week programs

• Pair with books exploring First Nations stories and knowledge

• Create sensory setups with natural materials to extend learning

Learning Outcomes (EYLF Aligned):

• Outcome 2: Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and respect diversity

• Outcome 4: Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity and persistence

• Outcome 5: Children engage with a range of texts and storytelling experiences

Details:

• Bush tucker dramatic play set

• 3 Honey Ants (approx. 4cm)

• 1 Coolamon (approx. 10.5cm x 9cm)

• Designed for classroom use

• Suitable for ages 3+