By Constance Kartambis
The Wiggles could do Macbeth, but there’s no way Shakespeare could do Big Red Car.
“Hot Potato”, “Toot Toot”, “Fruit Salad, Yummy, Yummy.” These are all immortal phrases we’ve lived by since we were kids, and those ”ancient” Australian proverbs have historically guided us through life’s challenges.
The superheroes’ journey began in 1991, when Anthony Field, a student at Macquarie University, came up with an idea to forever change the landscape of children’s entertainment.
As part of his studies in early childhood education, Field wanted to create educational and enjoyable music for young children. He reached out to fellow students Murray Cook and Greg Page, and Cockroaches bandmate Jeff Fatt, to form a group to accomplish this mission.
Combining each other’s talents, they began writing and recording songs that combined educational themes with engaging melodies.
This unique approach quickly captured the attention of parents, educators and children alike.
Former early childhood teacher Antonia Skaros worked at Emmanuel Preschool in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. She began her career in 1998, the same year The Wiggles’ first TV series premiered on the Seven Network in Australia.
Her classroom was comprised of children aged two to three years old.
“Despite their limited ability to speak or communicate simple actions, playing The Wiggles series during free time was always the most effective way to engage them. They absolutely loved it,” Skaros said.
Notably, The Wiggles’ content is designed to be educational, focusing on basic learning themes like colours, counting and movement.
The group incorporates simple repetitive language and songs that young children can easily follow and learn. But more so their music combined with their actions are crucial for a young child’s cognitive and physical development.
Their music assists with language development, motor skills and emotional regulation in early childhood. Accompanied by their interactive engagement, it encouraged children to dance sing and move.
“My colleagues and I were never worried about inappropriate themes being shown or sung. Their music was catered for young age groups only. That’s why we played it so much,” said Skaros.
“We mostly played their TV show and music to observe if a child has difficulty processing basic motions.”
The song “Rock-a-Bye Your Bear” encourages audiences to complete the instruction.
“And when kids couldn’t do these actions, as teachers, we underlined their inability and gauged to assist their learning … and perhaps even have auditory problems or may need their hearing further checked.”
Fast forward 26 years, The Wiggles are certainly still thriving. They still managed to produce interactive content that is developmentally appropriate for young viewers, making it a fantastic co-viewing experience.
Featured image: Jeff, Greg, Murray and Anthony in the Big Red Car. Photo: Godverbs/CC/flickr
