‘Play School’ – a catalyst for play

Abstract

The Australian children's television program Play School has been inviting young children to play for 45 years. Based on the original BBC production, Play School has been screened across Australia twice each weekday on the national broadcaster since 1966. Recent developments in early childhood education and care education in Australia have highlighted the importance of play for learning and wellbeing. This paper outlines results from research investigating the contribution of Play School to a healthy start to life for young Australian children. The results of the research indicate that key elements of the program support the play and learning of young children both during and subsequent to the viewing experience. The findings have significant implications for children, educators, parents, and makers of children's television and indicate that television designed in the interests of children can serve as a catalyst for play.

Keywords:

• children
• television
• play
• media

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the funding for this research which was provided by ABC Children's Television and Australian Catholic University and also Delegates attending the International Play Conference 2011 who provided feedback on the draft of this paper.