Henry Parkes Colouring Worksheet: Father of Australia's Federation

Bring the story of Australia’s federation to life with this Henry Parkes colouring worksheet. Parkes’s leadership, oratory, and vision for a united Australia make him a pivotal figure in our national story. This colouring activity combines art and history, giving students both a visual and intellectual entry point into Federation.

What’s Inside This Worksheet

• A portrait of Henry Parkes in formal attire

• A stylised background with iconic Australian architecture and nature

• Space for students to annotate, write facts or reflections

• Optional prompt or mini fact box section

Why Use This Worksheet in Class or at Home

• Connects students with a key figure in Australia’s political development

• Serves as a visual anchor for Federation and colonial history units

• Supports discussions on leadership, vision, and change over time

• Works well alongside or preceding lessons on 19th-century Australia or the lead-up to 1901

How to Use This Worksheet — Step by Step

1. Introduce Sir Henry Parkes — cover his life, political roles, and his push for Federation

2. Pass out the colouring sheet

3. Ask students to colour attentively — perhaps linking colours to Australian symbolism (greens, golds, blues)

4. Use extension prompts / activities, such as:
    • Write 3 major contributions of Parkes (e.g. Tenterfield Oration, pushing for federation)
    • Ask: “Why did Parkes believe Australia should unite?”
    • Draw a “Then / Now” comparison: colonial Australia vs modern Australia
    • Role play: imagine you are in the colony in 1890 — write a short speech as Parkes to persuade people to support federation

5. Share / display student works and invite them to present one fact or insight they liked

This Henry Parkes colouring worksheet is more than a colouring task — it’s an invitation for students to engage with Australia’s journey to unity and nationhood. Use it for your “Federation,” “Australian Leaders,” or “National Identity” lessons and help students see how one man’s vision helped shape a nation.

How to use this printable

• Best for: quiet time, classroom stations, after-school care, rainy days
• Prep time: 1–2 minutes (print + pencils)
• Try this: set a 10-minute timer and let kids compare answers at the end

Skills this activity supports

• Focus and attention
• Problem solving
• Fine motor practice (writing/drawing)

Easy variations

• Make it a team challenge
• Use it as a fast finisher
• Add a “bonus task”: draw or write 3 related words

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Check the file’s paper size and print one test page. Choose “fit” if edges are clipped.