Outreach: 2022 AATE ALEA National Conference
Jointly presented by the Australian Association for the Teaching of English and the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association, the ‘Hearts, Minds, Stories: Landscapes of Learning’ conference was held in Darwin earlier this month. Here, the ACTF Learning team reflects on the event from the perspectives of sponsor, exhibitor and presenter.
Australian children’s television remains essential but is under threat in the streaming era
In less than a decade, television has undergone a revolution. The introduction of streaming video services, such as Netflix, Stan and Paramount+, has changed how television is made, distributed, and watched in Australia.
From Aussie kids’ TV to Hollywood: stars who got their start in Australian children’s television
When it comes to film and television, Australia is teeming with talent. In fact, it’s rare that an IMDB deep dive won’t turn up an actor or crew member who was born or bred down under – and some of our most successful screen professionals began or grew their careers with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF).
Profile piece: Kyas Hepworth, NITV Head of Commissioning and Programming
Kyas Hepworth is responsible for driving the creative direction of NITV's distinctive offering across commissioned and acquired content and overseeing its programming and scheduling to bring it to audiences. Ahead of the premiere of the third season of award-winning children’s animation Little J & Big Cuz, we sat down with Kyas to find out more about her goals for NITV children’s content, why it’s important for Indigenous children to see themselves reflected on screen, and – of course – what our favourite cousins Little J and Big Cuz get up to in Season 3.
Kickstart Conversations about Disability with ACTF-Supported Content
International Day of People with Disability is held annually on 3 December to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability, and to celebrate their achievements and contributions. The following children’s content and resources will support teachers in guiding classroom conversations on disability, inclusion and accessibility.
Sculpting a National Cultural Plan – igniting a post-COVID economy for the arts
In August 2020, the Minister for Communications and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, asked the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts to conduct an inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 and the Black Summer bushfire season on Australia’s creative and cultural industries and institutions, and to consider the direct and indirect benefits of these industries. The Committee tabled its report – Sculpting A National Cultural Plan - in Parliament in October.
How I use children’s TV to teach social and emotional skills in the classroom
Whether working remotely or onsite, educators can use children’s television shows in the classroom to teach social and emotional skills including resilience, conflict resolution, empathy, and how to manage their own emotions. Here’s how one educator uses children’s TV to teach these critical skills in the classroom.