Activity 1 – Comparing different interpretations of the Rainbow Serpent

Comparing Rainbow Serpent Interpretations, students compare 'The Rainbow Serpent' by Dick Roughsey and 'Warnayarra: the rainbow snake' by Pamela Lofts. They analyze narrative techniques, style, and authorship (single vs. collaboration), fostering a deeper understanding of storytelling perspectives in Indigenous culture.

Required resources  

 Hard copies of the ‘The Rainbow Serpent’ by Dick (Goobalathaldin) Roughsey and ‘Warnayarra: the rainbow snake’ by Pamela Lofts (if hard copies can’t be obtained there are YouTube videos of the book being read aloud).

Step by Step guide 

Step 1: Read 'The Rainbow Serpent'

Students can listen to the teacher reading the story aloud or watch a video recording of the story being read aloud.

Step 2: Small group discussion

In small groups students can discuss the visual and written techniques used in the two versions of the story, noting differences and similarities between the narrative style and content. They can also consider the different methods of authorship (single author and collaboration) and the effect this might have on the text, and on the audience’s perspective. 

Step 3: Compare and contrast

After the discussion students could undertake a compare and contrast task. The supporting document has two options, a compare and contrast diagram or a venn diagram.