The creation of Hi-5 Hi-5 is created and produced by Helena Harris and Posie Graeme-Evans through their company Kids Like Us. Helena and Posie had a vision to make a TV program for the children of today, a show that would hold children's dramatically changing interests. They wanted to create a show that had music and movement, that acknowledged the differences in children, and that did not go for the lowest common denominator. In June 1998 the first auditions for the Hi5 presenters took place and the first episode went to air in January 1999. The program is full of refreshing new ideas and every episode has new themes. Helena and Posie are committed to giving the show a solid education basis. The aim of Hi-5 The aim of Hi-5 is to cater for a wide range of young children, acknowledging the span of cognitive abilities and learning styles. The program presents material with the understanding that children will respond in different ways and be more open to a particular mode of integrating ideas. While we recognise that young children learn holistically, i.e. that skills learning is interrelated, a particular emphasis on different areas of "intelligence" enhances specific skills and learning. The program therefore includes a number of segments, each of which focuses on a different area of learning. The segments The visual and spatial awareness segment: Shapes In Space Nathan's focus is on exploring shape, colour and pattern using all kinds of materials such as coloured boxes, play-dough, everyday furniture and even the body. The logical thinking and mathematics segment: Puzzles and Patterns Kathleen is particularly interested in numbers, puzzles and mazes, sorting things and drawing wonderful patterns. Problem solving is made fun. The musicality segment: Making Music In the music area Tim focuses on musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, pitch and melody. His aim is to introduce children to great new songs and rhythms using a variety of "instruments". Linguistic and aural skills segment: Word Play Kellie explores the world of language and sounds. Through stories, rhymes and games she will encourage awareness of language use. The physical/motor development segment: Body-Move! Charli specialises in fun movement and co-ordination skills. Along with the general party atmosphere of the program, the songs and rhymes in this segment will encourage children to stretch, hop, skip, jump, balance, clap, throw, crawl and twist. The self-awareness and social skills segment: Sharing Stories In this segment the Hi-5 team works together to explore emotions and interpersonal interactions through light-hearted story and drama. It provides a time for reflective entertainment, during which children can identify with the feeling and situation presented. Musical integration of Hi-5 segments Music is used to integrate all the different areas of Hi-5. Whilst it will always be fun and entertaining, the music itself will also highlight the concepts and themes of each program.
