Learning is fun
KID’S shows are fun, educational and open doors to new adventures for young viewers. However, many of us are unaware that creating these programmes isn’t as simple as ABC.
Julie Greene, executive creative director of Australian award- winning children’s TV show Hi- 5, explained that lots of research goes into churning out educational TV programmes for kids. To encourage children to develop their potential, the production team looks into various educational theories about cognitive development.
“Hi- 5 is based on educational principles for the young child. The show is influenced by Jean Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development and Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences,” said Greene in an e- mail interview from Sydney, Australia.
Hi- 5 is a live- action show targeted at children between one and eight years old. The popular children’s series – aired since 1999 – features a vibrant mix of stories and invites children to explore the world through movement, music and laughter.
Hi- 5 has produced 15 international series and is currently aired in over 70 countries around the world. It is aired on Disney Junior ( Astro Ch 613).
To ensure the show appeals to kids, child development experts are roped in to work with writers to come up with engaging content.
“Hi- 5 looks at children as individuals. To keep children engaged throughout the show, music and movement are incorporated to stimulate learning,” said Greene, who is also executive producer of Hi- 5.
Each episode is built around simple themes like colours, music, animals or numbers. Music is the connecting factor between the segments. Five presenters host a specific segment that focuses on a particular area of learning.
The live- action musical series features puppet Jup Jup and Chatterbox, and hosts Stevie Nicholson, Tanika Anderson, Ainsley Melham, Dayen Zheng and Mary Lascaris. Through story- telling sessions and skits, children learn about logical solutions, mathematics and listening skills.
“The show explores both large motor and small motor body movements. Children can absorb these segments and learn new concepts. Our show promotes core values like positivism, healthy eating, social skills, exploration and creativity which are important to a young child’s development,” said Greene.
“Many young children process information more effectively if it is presented aurally, visually or through the use of music. Hi- 5 offers a range of experiences and modes of presentation to encourage children to develop their natural sense of curiosity.”
While the show focuses on playbased learning as opposed to academically driven and structured curriculum, Greene explained true learning is not rote learning and intelligence can be measured in different ways.
Hi- 5 completed recording its 16th season recently. The new season – which will be aired later this year on Disney Junior – will feature new themes focussing on nature, super heroes, busy cities
and teamwork.