Education Minister Eva Lawler today launched an exciting new Northern Territory produced educational web series specifically targeted at young Aboriginal kids.
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Based loosely on the childhood educational classic Play School, the Rising Star web series uses music, dance and stories to engage children up to five years old in both English and Aboriginal languages, to improve crucial early development.
“Rising Star has been created to inspire instructional play, conversational reading and emotional learning,” Ms Lawler said.
“The Government will always invest in early childhood because making children ready for school day one, term one is critical to a child’s success in life and creates a better future for all Territorians.
“This is why we are investing an extra $35.6 million in those early years as part of our 10-year Early Childhood Development Plan, Starting Early for a Better Future.
“Our government is re-investing in children to give all Territory kids the best start in life, after the CLP slashed education funding and sacked teachers and support staff.”
Rising Star uses fun, evidence based teaching and learning methods, and dual language delivery to maximise participation across the Territory.
It is produced by the NT Music School in partnership with the Territory Government’s Families as First Teachers (FaFT) program, which currently has 38 sites Territory-wide - 33 in remote areas.
“A key focus for Government is to build strong foundations for the early development of children so they are given the best start in life and are ready for school,” Ms Lawler said.
“Rising Star works with each FaFT site to engage young children and their families through interaction, nurturing and everyday learning moments that will make a lasting difference.”
The series is easily accessible online, and builds upon family involvement encouraged at FaFT by promoting the involvement of relatives to enhance child development.
As the program hosts say, “We will always have good songs to sing and stories near and far, and all around there will always be some cheeky rising stars.”
Rising Star features popular NT Aboriginal artists and presenters including Emily Wurramara, June and Ali Mills, Gus Fitzgerald and Roy Ruwarringa.
It can be viewed online at www.risingstar.net.au