Play School

Animals

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Young children love watching, playing with and learning about animals – whether they are animals in the wild, animals at a farm or zoo or a family pet. Each day Play School concentrates on a different animal – lions on Monday, elephants on Tuesday, polar bears on Wednesday, tigers on Thursday and gorillas on Friday. We show a film of this animal in the wild, and look at the way it moves, looks, the noises it makes, and how it cares for its young.

Sea

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This week in Play School we explore the sea. We look at all the interesting and fun things that can be found on the beach, such as sand, seaweed, shells and rock pools, as well as what can be found in the water, such as fish and other colourful sea creatures. We also look at some of the fun that can be had at the seaside, whether visiting for a day's outing or going on holidays.

Doors and Windows

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From an early age, children are fascinated by doors and windows, mainly because their curiosity is aroused. When a door or window is opened, the beginning of a new place or area is created; inside or outside, upstairs or downstairs, and the child is able to explore and find out more about a familiar environment, or one that is totally new. This week, through doors and windows we see new situations e.g. a hospital kitchen, life in a block of flats, people who pass by a window. We make a simple, large, cardboard house and open it to reveal familiar rooms. Each day we sing the song "In and out the Windows".

Buses & Trains

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Buses and trains are fascinating for the preschool child. Their size, colour and shape are full of interest and excitement. Buying a ticket and sitting up and watching the world go by is a wonderful experience. Join us this week for lots of action packed journeys and adventures!

Eggs

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This week on Play School we have fun with eggs! We look at some of the creatures that lay eggs, such as chickens and dinosaurs, as well as how eggs can be used in cooking and craft. Each day the Surprise Egg Calendar is shown.

Television

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This week we show you how television programs like Play School are made! We go "behind the scenes" and take a look at pretend TV sets, cameras, microphones and lights. During the week we make a box television, put on our own television shows and play out a news story with Jemima as a roving reporter! Each day the TV Tricks Calendar has a different chroma key background to match the idea of the day.

What’s Next?

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Logical sequencing is part of everybody's day. Children like to think about what’s next, whether it is getting up in the morning, dressing, washing, eating breakfast, preparing to go out on an excursion, counting or even watching a baby growing and changing. This week in Play School we look at different and fun ways of discovering "what's next?" Each day we open a window on the House Calendar to reveal the name of the day. On Friday the House Calendar is used as part of the story.

Rabbits

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Rabbits are quiet animals that capture the curiosity and imagination of young children. Generations of young children have enjoyed the mischievous rabbits portrayed in the famous Beatrix Potter stories, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and "The Tale of Benjamin Bunny" and joining in the actions of the song "Little Peter Rabbit". This week we have aimed to present many fun-filled rabbit activities, stories, songs and films for children to enjoy.

Ducks

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Young children love playing with and looking at animals and this week in Play School we feature one of the most popular amongst pre-schoolers - ducks! Ducks and ducklings have featured in children's nursery rhymes, games and stories for generations. The song, "Six Little Ducks", is particularly well known as a tool for teaching numbers and counting through repetition. This week in Play School we feature ducks in songs, stories, "through the windows" segments and play.

Fingers & Toes

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Fingers, toes, hands and feet are the first parts of the body recognised by young children. They are easily seen and enable children to move, explore, create and discover. This week in Play School we explore hands and feet through movement and creative, tactile experiences. We also explore animal feet through games and observation and provide children with opportunities to develop their fine and gross motor co-ordination.

Going Out

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Young children love the excitement of "going out"! We look at some of the places and people young children might "go out" to visit in their day-to-day lives, such as to see family or friends, to do the shopping, or to go to play group or kindergarten. We also look at some more unusual outings and adventures, such as travelling to other countries or to the moon! The calendar this week is an "out and about" back pack and each day a different surprise can be found inside.

Colours

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This week in Play School we learn about the three primary colours - red, blue and yellow - and what happens when they are mixed together. We also explore all the colours in the world around us. Each day we take a look at the Rainbow Calendar.

Hip Hip Hooray

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"Hip Hip Hooray" is a phrase used by young children to express their joy, excitement and enthusiasm for celebrations. Celebrations can be big or small and young children enjoy them all. There are traditional holidays and religious celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year, as well as one of the most important celebrations for young children – birthdays! Birthdays are special not only because of the games and gifts they involve, but because they celebrate physical, mental and social growth. This idea is explored in our film of the week "Look What I Can Do" which is shown every day.

Wheels

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This week in Play School we explore wheels and the many ways they help us in our daily lives. Children are given the opportunity to explore how wheels help us move, work and play through activities, films, stories and songs.

Hair

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Pre-school children are continually growing and changing. They are fascinated with how they look and enjoy looking at themselves in the mirror. Caring for hair is part of a young child's routine. Brushing, cutting, decorating and gelling hair is of great interest. There are some young children who are fearful of washing their hair and need reassurance and time. We hope the practical and creative activities featured in this series enhance children's perceptions of their physical attributes as well as their awareness of those around them.

Holes

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This week in Play School we look at holes! Natural holes, man-made holes, holes dug by animals, holes used for play and holes of all different shapes and sizes! We also use holes in our arts & craft activities and games.

Collections

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We all like to make collections of things that interest us. Collections can be simple, involving things in our everyday lives – such as collections of books, toys, plants or teapots - or they may be vast and detailed – such as exhibitions in museums or collections of antique cars, stamps or coins. There are also collections of people, such as pre-schools, schools or play groups.

Faces

5 eps · 2008-06-09

A young baby first learns to recognise the familiar faces of parents, family and friends. As the child develops self awareness, they are very aware of how they look, and how they differ from those around them. They also notice the changes in their body and face as they grow older. After the "scribbling" stage, simple faces are among the first drawings of young children. Young children also enjoy being actively involved in simple hygiene and bathing activities which help foster confidence, good health and a positive self image. This week in Play School we explore many opportunities for young children to develop their curiosity and self awareness. Each day we sing "Dancing Face", a fun action song which allows children to explore their appearance and the movement of their faces.

Puppets

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Puppets have been found in all cultures throughout history and are still enjoyed by many today. They can be used to tell stories, to entertain, to develop self confidence and expression and to explore theatrical performance. Puppets can express feelings and ideas which some children may have difficulty expressing face to face. Making and using puppets also encourages creative imagination and develops manual dexterity. This week in Play School we explore simple puppets that can be made with everyday household materials. Each day we play with puppets in various ways to present rhymes, stories and free imaginative play.

Horses

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This week in Play School we explore the appearance of different types of horses, their living environments and how they help us. Young children are always fascinated by the size, sound and movements of horses and enjoy trying to imitate them. The inclusion of simple horse dress-ups and craft hobby horses will extend interest and enjoyment in this week's programs. Many favourite horse songs and rhymes will also provide movement and language opportunities for our young viewers.

Paper

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Paper is an accessible and versatile material with endless possibilities for imaginative play and creativity. Young children enjoy paper art and craft activities such as collage, painting, drawing, folding and cutting. They also enjoy using paper to play games, such as pass-the-parcel, and to make dress ups, such as elephant ears, pirate hats, party hats and horse tails. This week in Play School we use paper to make a cubby house for the toys, a kite, paintings, paper chains, paper hats, a newspaper, cards and much more! We also make our own paper to demonstrate the importance and practice of recycling this valuable resource. Each day this week we ask you to imagine, what "If All the World Were Paper"? This question is posed in the song sung every day at the Paper Calendar.

Frogs

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Childhood is a period of enormous physical, mental and emotional development. Young children are very aware of the changes they are experiencing and can gain understanding of these changes by watching the physical development of animals and plants. The life-cycle of a frog is a great example of physical change over time. Young children can learn a lot about the growing process by observing and learning about the way tadpoles slowly develop into frogs. This week in Play School we learn all about frogs through movement, song and creative play.

Nursery Rhymes

5 eps · 2008-01-01

Nursery rhymes are traditional short poems and songs that have been passed down through the generations, such as "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep", "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" and "Jack and Jill". They are familiar to adults and children alike and are a way of sharing childhood traditions and social and oral history. Singing, saying and acting out nursery rhymes improves early literacy skills and encourages visualisation, imagination and play. The simple songs and rhymes included this week in Play School can be sung or said in traditional ways or modified to accompany play and the daily routines of eating, sleeping and washing. Each day nursery rhymes are used as a spring board for moving, singing, baking, making and playing. This week the Play School calendar is a large quilt with panels reflecting different nursery rhymes.

Here to There

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Children love to move about from here to there, so this week in Play School we explore the different ways people and animals move through stories, play, music and games. We look at different modes of transport, including cars, trucks, buses, boats, trains, aeroplanes, submarines, rockets, helicopters, bicycles, horses and even hot air balloons! We also look at lots of different ways to move our bodies and the unique ways different animals move. Throughout the week friends are visited, holidays are planned and taken and deliveries are made! Each day we look at the Flying Fox Calendar and, on Wednesday, we are visited by some friendly guinea pigs.

Changes

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Early childhood is characterised by change as enormous growth and development occurs within a short period of time - limbs lengthen, body shape changes, baby teeth disappear and new teeth come through. These physical and developmental changes are significant for young children and their families because they are the milestones of "growing up". Young children are also very interested in change in the weather, seasons, plants, animals and any object that can transform from one thing to another. They enjoy exploring and investigating these changes using their senses and bodies. However, young children also benefit from the sense of security that comes from familiarity and predictability. This week in Play School we explore change but in the company of familiar toys and presenters that offer reassurance and security.

Our Home

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The home plays a vital role in the life of every child. Families live in a diverse range of environments; however integral to each home is a sense of belonging, a sense of being loved and a sense of self. Home is where we feel safe and secure and are free to be ourselves. This week in Play School we explore this sense of home. We look at some of the different rooms that might make up a home, the families and friends that live in homes, cleaning and decorating the home, different animal homes and neighbours. On Thursday, we welcome a new toy into the Play School Family – Dan! Dan is introduced through a told story and welcomed into the fold. This week the Play School calendar is the caravan home of cardboard roll family, the Carter's. Each day the Carter's tow their caravan to a different region of Australia. They visit a rainforest, the outback, the beach and a city.

Beginnings

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Nonsense

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Children enjoy the absurdity and fun in nonsense rhymes and songs, so this week in Play School we explore the fun in being silly and crazy with mixed-up songs, animals and activities. To start the week we begin with an exciting concert! Karen, Jay, Alex & Justine are joined by a live band and tell the story of Cinderella in front of a live studio audience. On Tuesday, we begin our "Nonsense" week. Each day we sing "Upsy Down Town" and visit the Upsy Down Town Calendar. Here, sheep reside in trees, birds drive cars, people walk on their heads, a tiger is found flying by and one day a cake is found growing in a garden! We also have a visit from a talking Corella and have fun dressing up in a mixed-up way.

Big and Little

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This series of Play School explores the concept of opposites using one clear example - big and little. Throughout the week we look at lots of big and little things through craft, games, stories and music. We explore growth, size, space, dinosaurs, animals and lots more! Each day we discover something new in the Big and Little Calendar - something big is pulled from a little hole, a little piece of folded paper is unfolded to become a big piece of paper, little creatures are found in a big garden and much more!

What to Wear

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Choosing "what to wear" is a dilemma faced by children (and their parents) every day! Children often have very strong opinions about what they want to wear and like to choose clothes that reflect their feelings and personalities. Learning how to get clothes on and off is also a big part of a young child's life. This week in Play School we look at clothing, jewellery and accessories. Each day, paper dolls, Chloe and Max, wear something different on our What to Wear Calendar. We look at clothing for different occasions, weather conditions and times of day. Throughout the week we also celebrate the joy of "dressing up" in a variety of songs, stories and toy play.

Water

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Water is essential to life on earth and this week in Play School we explore its importance through stories, songs, imaginative play and learning activities. We look at different bodies of water - such as the sea, rivers, ponds and lakes - and what kinds of animals live in and around these environments. We look at how water is used in everyday life – we travel across it in boats and ships and we use it to clean and wash things. We also explore the science of water – water can be frozen and used to help plants grow, etc. Join us this week as we have fun playing with and learning about water!

Building

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Building is one way that young children begin to make sense of the world around them. It helps them understand the qualities of different materials and how these materials can be joined together to create something new. Children enjoy making and creating their own buildings and structures from the resources and materials they find around them. This process provides opportunities for the development of physical control, logical reasoning, decision-making and problem solving. First constructions can be quite simple, such as stacking blocks to build towers and watching them fall when knocked over. With experience, constructions can become more complex and may involve group work, such as creating cubbies and shelters using household objects and recycled materials.

Communication

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This week in Play School we explore and explain the many different ways we communicate with each other! We look at body language, speech, sound, music, letters, books and signs as well as modern forms of communication, such as computers, digital cameras, emails, phones, radio and text messaging. We also take a look at the way animals and babies communicate. Each day this week we open the Letterbox Calendar. On Monday we are visited by a live band!

Under

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Young children are generally eager explorers, keen to investigate the world around them. They use their senses and their bodies as they encounter and play with new objects and explore familiar and unfamiliar places. Young children also like to experience the world from many different vantage points, such as under, over, beside, in front of, behind, between and through. Experiencing these different perspectives is valuable in developing a sense of spatial awareness. Join us this week as we explore the notion of 'under' and look at what is hidden underneath the surface. We look at the world hidden under the sea, objects hidden in boxes, the roots of trees under the ground and much more. Every day this week there is something hidden underneath the Bed Calendar.

Tails

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Waggy tails, swishy tails, curly tails! Tails of all different shapes, colours and sizes appear in Play School this week. We take a look at how different animals use their tails to fly, climb, balance and communicate. Looking at and talking about tails not only enables us to explore the characteristics of a wide variety of animals, it also provides many opportunities for rich, descriptive language.

Fruit and Vegetables

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Current research suggests that a growing number of children are overweight and spending less time in active play and exercise. As a result, there is increasing community awareness of the need to establish healthy eating and exercise habits in early childhood. In this series, we take a playful look at fruit and vegetables. During the week we feature a fresh fruit and vegetable store and a Farm Calendar that includes many different types of fruits and vegetables. We also include stories, songs and cooking experiences that highlight good health through a playful approach to diet and exercise. We encourage children and their families to use these experiences to explore the smells, textures and tastes of different fruit and vegetables.

Five Senses

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A young child's world is filled with new and exciting things to see, hear, smell, taste and touch! The five senses allow children to experience and explore the world around them and help them to develop an understanding of safe and unsafe situations. This week in Play School we learn about the five senses through games, music, cooking and craft. Each day we sing our song of the week, "I Have Two Eyes to See With", and go "through the windows" to take a look at something we can see, hear, touch, smell or taste. This week the Play School calendar is a play dough person named Callie, who acquires a new body part each day that allows her to explore one of the five senses.

Adventure

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Early childhood is a period of new discoveries as children explore the world around them and the opportunities it brings. An adventure can be as simple as finding new possibilities, from playing with a cardboard box to taking a trip somewhere new, or adventuring to faraway places in stories and in the world of imagination. Young children are generally keen adventurers eager to explore new objects, places and ideas. They are also very skilled at discovering new possibilities and imaginary places while staying safely at home and playing with familiar objects and toys in new and adventurous ways. In this series the presenters and toys explore all sorts of possibilities for play and investigation in a world of Play School adventures.

Seasons

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This week in Play School we explore the seasons! Summer, autumn, winter and spring each have a dedicated day. The essence and characteristics of each season are explored through songs, games, stories and craft activities. Each day the Play School thermometer is checked and the temperature noted. There is also a tree shown throughout the week, which changes each day to show seasonal differences. On Friday we celebrate the cycle of the seasons to conclude the series.

Again and Again

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Repetition is the key to learning and mastering new skills. This week in Play School we endeavour to provide young children with the opportunity to enjoy and learn through the repetition of activities, songs, movement and stories. We also explore daily routines and natural happenings that occur over and over again, such as day and night, getting up in the morning, cooking, eating and birthdays.

Music

5 eps · 2015-03-02

Young children are naturally musical. From first vocalisations to singing songs in tune and time with others, from tapping on household objects to producing carefully controlled instrumental accompaniments, the young child explores, listens to and creates music. In early childhood, musical experiences include singing, listening, playing, and moving. This week, the Play School team are visited by some special musical guests. Each day, we see people playing different instruments in an orchestra. We also explore home-made instruments, body percussion and the sounds produced by string, wind and brass instruments.

Once Upon A Time

5 eps · 2011-07-11

This week in Play School we have fun retelling traditional fairy tales. A fairy tale is a story told to children concerning the adventures of mythical characters such as fairies, unicorns, mermaids, giants and elves. These stories often involve princes and princesses and modern versions normally have a happy ending. Fairy tales often begin with the stock line "Once upon a time" and end with "they lived happily ever after". Throughout the week, the Play School presenters and toys have fun dressing up and retelling these magical stories. Each day, the Once Upon a Time Storybook is opened to reveal a new adventure. A magical teapot weaves its way through stories involving kings and queens, mermaids, wizards, genies, unicorns and fairies. On Friday, all these magical characters come together for a banquet.

Up

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The opposites "up" and "down" are first learnt by babies as they are picked up and cuddled by care givers and put down to sleep. As they grow older, many things in young children's world are "up", simply because they are small and have to look up to speak to adults or to reach objects they need. It is good to keep this in mind and to have their play things and belongings easily accessible. Throughout this series movement, games, songs and play experiences reinforce children's curiosity in the world around them, as well the simple direction of "Up".

On the Farm

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This week Play School is filled with barns, windmills and tractors as we visit the farm and give children a sense of the farming lifestyle! We look at the different kinds of work that needs to be done on a farm, as well as food crops, conservation of water and caring for animals. On Monday we are visited by a mother duck and her ducklings and observe them at play. Every day this week, Farmer Big Ted rides his tractor and we sing Down on the Farm. The tractor is an essential part of farm machinery and each day we see it used in a different way - a trailer is attached and feed for animals and the harvest is transported, a plough is used and seeds planted and an auger is attached to dig a hole for a fence post. Through the windows we gain insight into life on an outback station, an alpaca farm, a potato crop, sheep shearing, a sheepdog rounding up sheep and produce being displayed for an agricultural show.

Go

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This week we explore things that 'go'! This includes human, animal and mechanical movement. Each day a 'go' obstacle course has been developed with a different theme to encourage creativity as well as gross motor coordination. Young children's ability to physically move and manoeuvre around their environment increases with age, practice and awareness. For some children physical movement may be limited due to a disability. It is important to be encouraging and accepting of children as they learn to 'go' about their surroundings.

Whats Inside?

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The early years are a period of rapid growth and intense learning as children discover aspects of themselves and the world around them. Young children are naturally curious. They are explorers and investigators eager to see, touch, smell and hear. In this series we explore 'what's inside?' and invite children and their families to become curious investigators of the world around them.

Shapes

5 eps · 2015-06-08

Join the Play School presenters and your favourite toys in creative play with squares, circles, triangles and rectangles. Explore the shapes we find all around us in our homes and gardens, our own shapes and animal shapes, with songs, stories and fun things to make.

Pets

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Pets play an important role in the lives of many young children. Learning to care for pets, whether they are small animals such as goldfish, or larger animals such as cats or dogs, helps children develop a sense of responsibility. For those unable to own pets, visiting the pets of family and friends can also be a great learning experience. This week in Play School we look at lots of different types of pets and their unique features and natures. We also look at the responsibilities that come with owning pets – such as grooming, regular exercise and feeding. Each day we go "through the windows" to meet different animal companions, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, a pony and chooks. We are also visited in studio by Teo's dog, Billie, and some goldfish.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

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Most young children enjoy digging in the dirt whether it be in a garden or in a pot of soil. Being involved in gardening can help young children develop many new skills. These include understanding, co-operation and self-confidence. Children will also learn about science, nature and the environment from growing their own flowers and plants.

Arts and Crafts

5 eps · 2015-03-23

Paint and paste, pour, squish and squeeze with Justine, Andrew, Jonny, Teo, Leah and Emma as they have fun exploring all sorts of ways to create pictures and sculptures. In this series Play School visits some well-known artists and watches them work, and sets up its own gallery. Theres also a special visitor to the Play School set, Matthew the Donkey, as well as great games, stories, songs and your favourite Play School toys.

Let's Find Out

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Children are naturally inquisitive and want to know about the world around them. Experiences that encourage children to question how or why things happen are a science experience. This week in Play School we adopt a "finding out" attitude and explore our environment in a scientific way. Over the week we look at colours, magnets, batteries, flying, chemical reactions and movement. Through a mixture of play, observation, music and storytelling we "find out" together.

Putting on a Show

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Many young children like to put on a show for an audience. This can be simply singing a song to a parent, or putting on a puppet show with friends. Audiences can be family, friends or even toys. This week's activities, songs, stories and films have been selected to encourage confidence and creativity in our young viewers. We also aim to extend their knowledge of the basic processes of putting on a show. Each day, we have two surprise guest presenters who help put on a special performance. On Wednesday, we are visited by a donkey called Matthew.

Fun and Games

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Young children love to play and have fun as they explore the world around them. Playing games is a great way to learn new skills, build physical strength and coordination, practice new words and phrases and solve problems creatively. Playing games with others also helps young children practice waiting, sharing and taking turns. In this series there are lots of games to play and toys to make! Each day we sing the song, "Wonder What's in the Toy Box?" and open the toy box to find something hidden inside. Come and join us at Play School as we have fun and play games together!

How Many?

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Leaning to count is the first mathematical concept taught to young children. By seeing, hearing and writing numbers over and over, young children learn number recognition, number order and one-to-one correspondence. This week in Play School, we explore numbers and counting through play, singing and cooking. A cardboard box house with cardboard furniture and cardboard roll people is the focal point throughout the week. Each day we sing "How Many People Live at Your House?" and count the number of people in the cardboard box house.

In the Bush

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In this series, Play School is filled with native flora and fauna as we explore the unique Australian bush! Each day this week we take our "gumnut people", Barney Banksia and Gabriella Gumnut, for a walk through the bush where they find native animals and plants and explore exciting landforms and landscapes. "Through the windows" we observe possums at close range and native birds on Lake Eyre. We also benefit from a guide's expertise on bush tucker and meet a family living on a farm in rural Victoria.

Put On Your Hat

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This week in Play School we explore the theme of "Put on Your Hat" through music, stories, craft and play. Every day this week, we visit the Play School hat shop where a hat for every occasion can be found. On Wednesday, we take a special ride with Justine as she puts on a helmet and travels to Play School on a motorbike. Hats can also be used in dress-up and role play for young children to explore different occupations and cultural differences. The role of hats in sun protection and warmth is also featured.

My Favourite Things

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Young children are curious about the world and enjoy exploring new objects and places. They also find security and pleasure through revisiting and reconnecting with familiar people, places and things. In this series of Play School we focus on 'favourite things' - special objects and collections as well as special relationships, pets, places and favourite things to do. The concept of 'favourite things' is explored through singing, moving, pretending, making and creating, looking at books and listening to stories.

Day and Night

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In this series Play School explores the routines and patterns that children may participate in at different times of the day and night. On Monday we explore what happens at dawn. Take a journey and investigate the changes associated with day and night in the outdoor environments of both city and country landscapes. Come discover the people, animals, birds and insects that inhabit these worlds during day and night!

Messy

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This week in Play School, we explore sensory play and the theme of "messy". Sensory play utilises all five senses, but the sense of touch is the most frequent focus of "messy play". Sensory play encourages creativity, exploration of materials and the development of fine motor skills. Children develop early maths, science and language skills through messy play. Throughout the week we get messy playing with paint, mud, sand, clay and slime. Each day we show the Messy Montage - a film showing lots of young children having fun getting messy as they eat, play and make things! Don't be afraid of a little mess! Young children can be encouraged to clean up and pack away after activities. Join us this week for lots of gooey, slimy, messy fun!

Sand and Sea

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In this series of Play School we explore an environment enjoyed by many young Australians - the beach! For those children familiar with the sand and sea, this series of programs provides many opportunities to revisit experiences of playful activity, exercise and family fun. For children less familiar with our coastal environment, there are many opportunities to see and play with the open-ended materials of the beach, especially sand and water, and to learn about sea creatures and their habitats as well as boats and birds. We explore colour, pattern and shape as we make, sing and play together.

Stomping with Dinosaurs

5 eps · 2013-01-28

Young children enjoy learning about dinosaurs and using their imaginations to think about what their world might have been like in pre-historic times. Children also enjoy stomping about and roaring like dinosaurs and looking at pictures of these fantastic creatures of long ago. This week we sing songs, tell stories and make craft activities inspired by dinosaurs.

In The Wild

5 eps · 2014-02-05

The In the Wild series recognises that young children are curious investigators, who learn about the world around them as they play, discover and explore. In the Wild encourages a spirit of adventure as young children and their families are invited to share in a series of exciting escapades with the Play School toys and presenters. We explore wild places and spaces, discover wild animals and rare plants and play with the wild possibilities of imaginary worlds. Features Andrew McFarlane, Emma Palmer, Teo Gebert, Leah Vandenberg, and Zindzi Okenyo. 5 × 26 minute episodes.

Babies

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The arrival of a baby is a new beginning for every family, bringing lots of joy and change to all. This week in Play School we learn about babies and their growing stages through songs, stories, films and creative play. We also look at ways to involve young children with their new brother or sister to avoid feelings of displacement and encourage them to feel proud of being "big" and their capabilities. Throughout the week we feature a special series of baby films that look at different aspects of a baby's daily routine, such as sleeping, playing, eating and bathing.

All Aboard

5 eps · 2013-04-22

This week in our All Aboard! series we create many opportunities for children to extend their knowledge about trains as a form of transport. We achieve this through role play, painting, singing and cooking activities. Each episode features our "film of the week" Train Montage, with lots of different types of trains chugging and chuffing on journeys to and from all sorts of places! We hope you and your children enjoy this series of All Aboard!

Shake, Rattle and Roll

5 eps · 2013-06-10

Young children are very responsive to sound and movement, particularly in the form of rhythm and music. They love to move their hands and feet and whole bodies in response to variations in pitch, tempo and rhythm. In this series of Play School we invite children to explore, discover and respond to sound and music in their homes, the natural environment and when out and about. Every day, we make and explore all kinds of percussion with some of Australia's top percussionists performing so me favourite pre-school songs. We are also joined in studio by two very special guests, Australian Aboriginal elder and artist, Walangari Karntawarra, and ARIA award winning singer/songwriter, Katie Noonan.

Mini Beasts

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We see insects and other small creatures almost every day of our lives. These "mini beasts" are one of the first introductions young children have to the natural world. They come in countless varieties, shapes, colours, patterns and sizes and are celebrated in favourite pre-school nursery rhymes, such as "Incy Wincy Spider", "Ladybird, Ladybird" and "The Ants Go Marching". In this series of Play School, we explore "mini beasts" through craft activities, play, songs and stories. We are also visited in studio by some real-life insects: slaters, snails, worms and even a stick insect!

Machines

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Young children are wide eyed and curious about the world around them. They are eager to understand how things work. Like scientists they observe, touch and manipulate objects. They formulate ideas and hypotheses and test their theories in processes of exploration and discovery. In this series of Play School we explore machines. Machines are devices designed to make work easier. We look at machines in the home, machines we see when we are out and about and simple machines that can be made from recycled and household materials. We hope this series of Play School provides lots of interesting opportunities for playing, making and finding out more about machines.

Yum!

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In the series Yum! we enjoy the process of growing and eating nutritious, healthy foods. In each episode, our presenters pick an ingredient from the Play School garden and use it in a cooking activity. The range of cooking activities displayed throughout the week extend children's knowledge of food sources and promote healthy eating, as well as providing them with fun, educational opportunities.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

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Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes is about getting children up and active. It is a series which celebrates this special time in the life span when young children are finding out about what their bodies can do. Through play, dance and drama the presenters and toys invite young children and their families to explore and develop the skills of body movement and action.

Let's Pretend

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Let's Pretend aims to nurture the imagination, creativity and a sense of wonder. Imaginative play not only provides enjoyment to young children, but it also helps them understand the real world and their place in it. It can also help them learn about experiences and people they may not directly come into contact with. Language, social and cognitive ability are also developed through imaginative play. A strong sense of imagination and creativity assists children become confident problem solvers.

Patterns

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This Play School series aims to develop a child's awareness of patterns in everyday life; visual patterns, patterns in sound and music and patterns in daily routines. Across the series, we find and create a wide variety of patterns - from making tree rubbings, to delicious patterned pizzas with olive spots and capsicum stripes! Exploring and identifying patterns through creative play is a useful tool to build an awareness of mathematical concepts and help children become numerate.

Opposites

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Up and down, happy and sad, big and small, hot and cold - this week in Play School we look at opposites! Opposites are one of the simplest and most important concepts for pre-schoolers to understand. It helps them to improve their communication as they learn how to describe different things. This series explores this important concept through fun games, songs, stories and activities.

Going Out

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Young children are curious about new experiences and opportunities. During the first years of life even the simplest places offer new adventures for sensing, investigating, moving and playing. In this series we explore some of the many possibilities that can be discovered by 'Going Out'. This includes going outside, going to school and local community places as well as far away and imagined places such as deep in the ocean and far out in space. The Play School toys and presenters are willing co-travellers on journeys near and far. In this series we visit the adventure theatre in each episode. We hope that you will enjoy sharing all these travels and adventures with us too.

I Can Do This

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During the first five years of life young children develop from total dependency on others to active and independent human beings. This is a time of wide-eyed looking, careful listening, lots of touching, smelling and tasting and lots of moving. In a matter of a few years young children go from rolling and crawling, to sitting, walking, running and climbing. In this series we celebrate the many skills and capacities that young children acquire as they explore, practice and play during this very important time in their life span.

Colours

5 eps · 2014-07-06

From a very early age, children are interested in colour in their world. Discovering, mixing and matching colours are exciting experiences that encourage imagination. We explore colour in nature, painting, culture, food and experiments. We paint a rainbow, stage a pink piggy opera, visit a sari shop and a paint factory! There are endless possibilities for children to interact and play with colour.

Hip Hip Hooray

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In this Play School series we celebrate with a big "Hip Hip Hooray" as we have fun at Maurice's birthday, make party hats, play pass the parcel and welcome young kittens. "Hip Hip Hooray" expresses joy, excitement and enthusiasm at celebrations, big or small. Celebrations include traditional holidays, cultural celebrations, bringing a new baby home, New Year, and the most important celebration for young children - birthdays! Celebrations can also signify change, new beginnings, achievements and introductions to new stages in the child's life.

Nursery Rhymes

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Come and join us as we play with Nursery Rhymes, with fun characters, lots of music and movement, and new surprises every day on The Nursery Rhyme Peek-a-Boo board. The catchy rhythm and rhyming patterns of Nursery Rhymes are easy to recall and repeat and songs with simple actions like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Incy Wincy Spider" quickly become early favourites. There are also elements of fun and silliness in Nursery Rhymes like "This Old Man", "Sing a Song of Sixpence", "Hey Diddle Diddle" and "The Grand Old Duke of York", which encourage dress-up and dramatic play. In this series, we visit a dry cleaning business, see some piglets playing, find out about fostering kittens, get a bit messy with mud and learn about lemurs at the zoo. Special guest musician George Washingmachine also joins us in studio for an episode with a collection of his instruments to add to the fun!

Knock, Knock!

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Who will be knocking at the Play School door when some surprise guests come to visit? Will it be an artist, or a dragon, a magician or a new pet? Having visitors at home, visiting new places or visiting family and friends is an exciting experience, whether it's a planned visit to look forward to or a surprise. We also visit some interesting places and people. Through the Windows, we see what it's like to be an orchestra conductor, a fire-fighter, and a conductor on a steam train. We also learn about looking after animals at a zoo and play footy with an AFL player!

Me & My Place

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This week we explore life in all sorts of different places. Find out what it's like living on a farm, living in an apartment, living in a house, living on an island and even living in an underground dug out in Cooper Pedy! Join us as we visit a family who make sushi rolls together, look at some native Australian animals, see some building and construction, play with some pets at a preschool and head down to the beach. Me & My Place is all about taking a look at the world, thinking about our place within it and exploring a sense of belonging, whether it's in family, culture, neighbourhood or the wider community.

Make & Mould

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In this series of Play School we make and mould with a range of different materials found in the home and outdoors. We discover how objects and materials can be used in creative and interesting ways and use them in play and storytelling. Join us as we create leafy print paintings, make icy shakers, have adventures with some pine cone people and more! We also visit a preschool through the windows to play with boxes, sand, clay, musical instruments and wool.

Changes Everywhere

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Childhood is a time of change. It's a time of enormous growth and development - limbs lengthen, body shape changes, baby teeth disappear and new teeth come through. This week in Play School, we explore changes in the weather, seasons, plants, animals, food and objects, in the company of familiar Play School presenters and the toys. We meet a new friend, Floppy, turn the Changes Kerchinger, greet some frogs and tadpoles and look more closely at changes through the windows: changes in the park, changes with colour, changes with insects, changes with food and changes with twins.

Putting It All Together

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Like puzzles, many aspects of a child's life involves different pieces that are put together to make the whole. In this series of Play School we explore the idea of parts and whole and different ways of putting it all together. There are many parts to routines like getting dressed, having breakfast or getting ready to go out. Play can involve putting things together - building and constructing with blocks, drawing a picture or telling a story with toys. Many activities in homes and communities, such as cooking, gardening, washing, and tidying up, need us to put things together in certain ways and in a certain order. Join us throughout this series as we put together recipes, a broom scarecrow, indoor and outdoor scenes and all sorts of things to play with! We also look through the windows to see some children making crafty dress ups, being part of a school band, preparing homemade pizzas, creating cardboard box cars and setting up a lemonade stand!

Tip Tap Toe

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In a very short time young children go from babies just learning to roll over, to toddlers walking and climbing, to children able to run and jump, start and stop and change direction. Young children are eager to move and practice their new movement skills in play and exploration. Movement is important for health and wellbeing and for discovering and responding to the world of sounds and music. In this series of Play School we explore lots of different ways to move and dance. Join us as we find out what's in the Tip Tap Toe basket, make music and all kinds of sounds, hold a sports carnival for the toys and more! We also look through the windows as some children show us different dancing styles - from hip hop, tap and ballet to Latin ballroom and African dance!

Round and Round

5 eps · 2015-05-18

This week in Play School we discover things that go round and round! Join us as we spin the Spinners are Grinners Wheel and learn about things that twist, turn and twirl in the home, on the farm, in the city and outdoors. We also explore body movement, see how wheels help us move and look through the windows to see some children sing Ring a Ring a Rosie, have a teddy bears' picnic and play with things that go round and round in the park!

Faces and Feelings

5 eps · 2015-07-13

In this series of Play School we use a diverse range of stories, songs, craft and play to explore faces and feelings. The human face is a first and most significant focus for the new born infant. Faces are full of life and variation and can show that someone is interested and responsive. As young children grow and develop they begin to understand the ways in which faces can reflect thoughts and feelings and how they can use their own faces to express their own feelings. Greater understanding of facial expression and the feelings of oneself and others can help young children to learn to identify and respond positively to the feelings of others. Come along as we make things for the Play School portrait gallery, play dress ups, meet some rabbit visitors, make a baguette crocodile and much more. We also look through the windows as children introduce us to some special faces in their lives.

Dig

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Young children are both physical and sensory explorers and so love to dig. Digging in sand and soil, gravel and even sticky mud provides lots of opportunities for energetic action. It also offers encounters with all the different materials and textures that digging reveals. The young child's interest is also captured by different animals that dig and digging machines. The range of machinery such as graders, backhoes and excavators that can dig up roads and dig deep holes for houses, dams and city buildings can be a special fascination. In this series of Play School we have lots of fun as we explore digging in all sorts of places and situations. We uncover new items each episode by digging in the sand pit, while through the windows, we see children engaging with the world of digging around them - at the beach, a community garden, a wildlife park, a puppet workshop and a construction site.

Let's Experiment

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In this series of Play School, children and their carers are invited to marvel at the amazing results of mixing ingredients as they experience the joy of discovering the wonders of science and the natural world. Young children are extremely inquisitive. They are natural explorers of the world around them. Their open minds and innate curiosity drives them to ask questions and explore possibilities. Importantly, experimenting enables children to learn through their senses, to problem solve, and to learn about themselves and the world around them in a hands on way. Experimenting is an opportunity to "find out" without worrying about getting it right. When children experiment they make discoveries on their own and this builds self esteem. Come along as we experiment with items in the laundry basket laboratory, test out some balloon rockets, see what floats and what sinks and make a fizzy volcano painting! Plus, we see children do their own experiments through the windows - with light, bubbles, slime, liquids - and have a fizzy wizzy science party!

Splash

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Water is everywhere in a preschooler's world. They drink it, wash in it, cook with it, paint with it and play in it during their day. Exploring properties of water provides children the opportunity to scoop, pour, blow, create and feel. They can explore the physical properties of water, changing states of water, rain and plant growth. This week on Play School we discover the importance of water in the community for humans, animals and the environment. We experiment with water wheels and fountains, and learn about animals that live in water through the windows.

Imagine

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Come along with us in this series of Play School, on our adventure into the wonderful world of possibilities as we imagine through making, story-telling, singing and dancing. As play moves beyond exploration and discovery young children begin to develop their capacity to imagine. Imagination is seen in the capacity to use one object to represent another, such as a block for a toy car, to pretend to be a different character such as an animal or fire officer, or to invent new possibilities in play. Imagination also comes to the fore in conversations as children share their ability to fantasise and to wonder. It can be a time of creative ideas and lots of questions of why, how and what if. Join us as we create a paper world, a woodland garden and washing world! We also make some yummy things in the Play School kitchen and look through the windows as some children act out different adventure stories with the toys.

Carnival of the Animals

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Come along now, come and see the finest animals on land, air and sea! In this series of Play School we introduce young children to the wonderful music of Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens. It is a playful work full of musical variety and fun. We explore elements of music like pitch and tempo and look closely at some instruments from the orchestra to see how their sounds are made. Young children are inherently musical. Participating in musical experiences helps to wire the young brain for learning as babies, toddlers and young children listen, move and sing. They enjoy experimenting with sounds and musical instruments. A wonderful group of performers share their musical expertise and join with Justine Clarke and Eddie Perfect on their joy-filled exploration journey with the animals and their adventures. We invite you to join us for Play School's Carnival of the Animals!

Collections

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This series of Play School is all about collections. Encouraging young children to have their own collections enables them to develop many important skills. Children sharpen their literacy and numeracy as they label, classify, sort and order the items in their collections. Their observation and language skills are further developed as they seek out items to add and engage others as they describe the collection. Collections do not have to be expensive or bought from a store. They can simply be a child's artwork or leaves from the garden. Valuing and displaying the items in a collection can also be a source of pride and self confidence. Join us as we find out what's in the pockets of the Collections Coat, visit the Play School Collections Museum and see a performance of rock n roll band, Bearosmith! We also look through the windows as some children show us their own collections - from paper planes, rocks and fossils to artwork, baby dolls and feathers. Collect away!

My Family, Your Family

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A family is those who love and care for you. Young children need love and care for their health, well-being, for play and for learning. Families are different and may include mums, dads, cousins, grandparents, aunties and uncles, brothers and sisters and friends. There are many fun things that families can do together like gardening, cooking, or swimming at the pool. In this series of Play School we celebrate a wedding and tell stories about the different things families do together. The Play School toy family also welcome a new baby and we meet some children who introduce us to their families through the windows. Come along as we follow the adventures of the Bottle People Village, some hens and chicks stop by for a visit and we welcome a very special guest - presenter Emma's baby daughter Anouk!

Moving Pictures

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On Play School this week, we explore the creative use of technology through our exploration of moving pictures. In this series, we encourage children to create their own moving pictures by making up their own stories, having a go at directing or acting in their own films, and using technology to record them. We also look at how we can create moving pictures out of paper and other recycled materials. Television shows, apps and online videos are enjoyed by both children and adults. Young children are increasingly playing and exploring with digital technology through access to smartphones and tablets. While such devices do not replace the value of real experiences with objects and other people both indoors and out, they can be used in playful and creative ways.

Let's Explore

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Early childhood is a time when children are curious about the world around them. Children are very keen to discover and invent new ideas as they play with familiar objects and toys at home. Let's Explore focuses on the joy of discovering. Join the Play School presenters as they explore all of the amazing things that can be found when we venture a bit further and look a little closer. This series will spark imaginative play, enriched by everyday objects, extended vocabulary and endless possibilities. Plus, we see children embark on their own adventures through the windows. Watch as they explore the Jenolan Caves, an observatory, a museum and local neighbourhoods including Sydney's Cabramatta!

Come to the Party!

5 eps · 2016-07-18

In this series, every day is a celebration. Each episode will focus on an event that is important and familiar in the pre-schoolers' world, with a strong focus on birthdays. Celebrations often involve gatherings of family and friends. Along with gifts, games and special food, birthdays also mark physical, mental and social growth. Turning another year older often means sharing in a special celebration, a birthday meal or party, or a cake. It is also a chance for children to plan their important day and express their creativity through the design of party invitations, games and decorations. Join the presenters and some special guests as they get ready for all sorts of celebration activities. Eddie becomes the piano-playing Mr Honky Tonk, solving problems with a song. Teo makes some mud cakes for a Mud Cake Bakery. Emma and Michelle create surprise pictures. We also welcome a special new addition to Play School, Joey the joey! Through the windows we explore what kinds of things make children happy - colours, pets, being together, going to the beach and their own backyard. Come and play and sing hip hip hooray with Play School as this series also celebrates Play School's 50th Anniversary!

Communication

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Join the Play School presenters as they look at the many ways we communicate with each other. Sometimes we might speak to each other. Other times we might use our bodies by nodding our head 'yes', shaking our head 'no' or pointing in different directions. Our facial expressions also help us to communicate and let others know if we are feeling happy, excited or confused. A treasure map might tell us where to look for a surprise with pictures and symbols, and a text message might tell us that our friends are ready to meet at the park. We can also communicate in different languages, and with animals too. As a special treat this week on Play School, our presenters are joined by a special guest visitor with a wagging tail!

Helping Hands

5 eps · 2017-10-02

This series of Play School is all about helping hands. The concept of helping is central to how children develop; both through the help that others give them and through the opportunities young children have to help others. Children learn socially and collaboratively through interactions with others, these interactions are frequently framed as 'helping'. Finding opportunities to help others and knowing how to seek help when it is needed are important abilities for children. These interactions make a strong contribution to children's social and emotional development, as well as driving cognitive and physical development through the activities that occur when help is given. Helping is a common daily activity and the series presents it in many forms. However helping is always positive and rewarding, even when it is in challenging circumstances. "Helpful Humpty" faces one challenge after another in this series and he demonstrates kindness, resourcefulness and resilience as he helps others. Humpty finds helping rewarding and is "happy to help!". We encourage children to do the same!

What To Wear

5 eps · 2017-10-02

Learn more about your favourite items of clothing with all new episodes of Play School.

Cubbies

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This week on Play School we explore wonderful world of cubbies. Cubbies are special places at any age but for young children they have particular significance as places of belonging, security and imagination. Young children like to find and to construct cubbies from all sorts of household and natural materials. Once created cubbies provide hide away places that are perfect for play and exploration, for creating stories and for taking amazing adventures wherever and however you want to go. Come and share in cubby fun on Play School!

Trees

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This series of Play School is all about trees. Trees play a fundamental role in our lives - providing beauty, shelter, materials, and resources. They are also home to many animals and other plants. Humans coexist with trees and children learn to understand their importance.

Here To There

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In this series of Play School, we explore the many ways of moving and modes of transport to get from here to there. We look at different types of transport including tricycles, road trains and rocket ships. Through a series of playful experiments, we explore the physics of movement. Jemima's Delivery Service is kept busy delivering parcels to the toys who are in all sorts of different places. This week, we also cook yummy rock cakes, strawberry and banana popsicles and make a submarine for an underwater adventure! Plus, get ready to blast off as we launch the 'new' Rocket Clock!

Tools

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Tools are devices that help us to get jobs done. Young children are introduced to tools and what they are used for as they watch adults use tools in everyday experiences. They copy and pretend and enjoy learning to use simple tools for themselves. Young children can also be interested in the special tools that are used by people with different occupations. In Play School this week we investigate all sorts of tools - from woodworking tools, gardening tools, to tools for sewing and tools for cleaning. We see children working with adults and using real tools through the windows.

Five Senses

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A young child's world is filled with new and exciting things to see, hear, smell, taste and touch! The five senses allow children to experience and explore the world around them and help them to develop an understanding of safe and unsafe situations. This week on Play School we learn about the five senses through games, music, stories, cooking and art. We also enjoy exploring Peter Rabbit's Garden.

Up, Up and Away

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This series of Play School is all about how things move and travel through air. We focus on a range of objects and movement to explore how things go up, up and away. This series introduces up, up and away science with a mix of fun experiments, songs, art and craft that can all be repeated, or inspire other activities for children in their homes. The concept of movement plays a fundamental role in our lives. Playful experimentation with up, up and away movement can help young children develop their understanding of various concepts such as speed, size and force. Join the Play School presenters and toys as they test fly balloons, paper planes, a flying fox and even a homemade foot and air powered rocket. These activities provide a foundation for exploring important concepts in science, with sometimes unpredictable results and a lot of fun.

Create, Code, Go!

5 eps · 2017-10-09

Rachael and Nicholas program a cleaning robot to help with housework, paint an underwater mural, experiment with oil and water and make fruity ice cubes. Through the windows we meet a marine biologist who looks after dugongs!

Where I Belong

5 eps · 2021-04-05

In the heart-warming series 'Where I Belong', we learn about the value of intergenerational friendship and the importance of strengthening community connection. We meet a Banksia family and are introduced to their world – a banksia community of family, friends and teachers!

Friends All Together

6 eps

Join the Play School presenters as they take you through the exciting world of dinosaurs. This interactive DVD of songs, activities and stories will excite children's imaginations and encourage play with such activities as making dinosaurs out of boxes and other simple items. The ABC has revamped and relaunched the quintessential children's property Play School with a brand new look and feel. Play School is a heritage brand for ABC and it holds such a significant place in Australian's hearts and minds.The marketing plan executed to support the new release will capitalize on the hype surrounding the relaunch and leverage the new style guide to generate renewed appreciation of the brand.