There’s a bear in there… years of fun and learning with Play School

I honestly don’t know a world without Play School. Like millions of Australians, I grew up watching it. Every weekday morning, I’d sit in front of the television waiting to find out which window we’d look through, sing along with “There’s a bear in there,” and wonder what adventures Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty would get up to.

Years later when I became e parent, I found myself introducing my own children to exactly the same show, revisiting songs and stories and wondering with them what would be behind today’s window. And after 60 years of play and learning, Play School still feels every bit just as magical.

Australia’s favourite children’s show

First airing on 18 July 1966, Play School is Australia’s longest-running children’s television program. For six decades, it’s entertained generations of Aussie kids while teaching them about creativity, kindness, curiosity and the joy of learning. For many Australians, it’s more than a TV show, it’s part of their childhood. As one of the show’s producers described it, Play School has become “Australia’s family heirloom,” passed from one generation to the next. (⁠abc.net.au)

Which window will we look through today?

Ask any Australian of a certain age and they’ll instantly remember the famous question: “Which window shall we look through today?”

For decades there were just three choices:

🟠 The round window

🟦 The square window

🌈 The arched window

Then, in 2000, Play School introduced a diamond window. Believe it or not, this caused genuine outrage. Some viewers thought changing such a beloved tradition was almost un-Australian! When you’ve grown up with the same windows, change can be a big deal.

Handmade is still best

In a world full of flashy cartoons and computer-generated animation, Play School has stayed wonderfully simple. Behind the scenes, artists still create beautiful handmade sets, props and craft projects using everyday household items. Toilet rolls become butterflies. Cardboard boxes become castles. Egg cartons become almost anything you can imagine. (⁠abc.net.au)

The message has always been that you don’t need expensive toys…you just need a little imagination.

Learning without even realising it

One of the clever things about Play School is that children rarely realise they’re learning. Through songs, stories, games and simple conversations, kids build vocabulary, practise listening, develop social skills and discover how the world works. It’s gentle, inclusive and reassuring qualities have helped it remain loved for 60 years. (⁠abc.net.au)

A little lesson in Australian english

For anyone learning Australian English, Play School is a hidden gem. The presenters speak clearly using natural Australian accents, introducing everyday words, expressions and pronunciation at a pace that’s easy to follow. With a playfulness you’ll hear familiar greetings, common vocabulary, nursery rhymes and the kind of everyday language Australians really use. It’s Australian English at its warmest.

60 years and still as magical

Play School continues to evolve while staying true to what made it special in the first place. New presenters have joined, new songs have been written and yes… there’s a diamond window.

But Big Ted is still there.

So is Little Ted.

Humpty still smiles.

And generations of Australians still know every word to the theme song.

There's a bear in there

And a chair as well

There are people with games

And stories to tell

Open wide

Come inside

It's Play School

That’s kinda special.

A must-watch for anyone learning Australian

Whether you’re raising little Aussies, planning a trip Down Under or simply learning Australian English, Play School is more than children’s television, it’s a window into Australian culture. It’s warm, welcoming, proudly Australian and full of the everyday language you’ll hear across the country.

You can stream full episodes, themed specials and classic Play School adventures anytime on ⁠ABC iview. Whether you’re introducing little ones to Big Ted or brushing up on your Aussie English, it’s a wonderful way to experience an Australian icon. (⁠iview.abc.net.au)

---

Keep learning Aussie

From Play School and Big Ted to brekky, barbies and bog rolls, Australia is full of unique words, traditions and cultural quirks. If you’d like to understand the language Aussies really use, explore the fun, self-paced guides at G’Day Galah. You’ll discover authentic Australian slang, fascinating facts and everyday expressions that help you speak and understand Australia like a local.