Hi5 is both a band and a television show intended for very young children. Though it was first an Australian TV show, the success of that show in Australia convinced producers that an American version would work well. In 2003, they assembled some performers and the group debuted. The show itself went into a hiatus in 2006 when several of the original actors decided to pursue other interests, but
. new actors were found and broadcast resumed. The show itself has received numerous awards, including being nominated for three Emmys and a Parent's Choice for their 2004 CD, Jump and Jive with Hi-5. Also of note are their humanitarian efforts; the show's actors help at disaster sites, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Hi-5 broadcasts on The Learning Channel and Discovery Kids once a week, and has since 2003, usually in the early afternoon. It was shot in the same studios as the Australian version, located in Sydney. The show concentrates on several segments, each designed to promote a young child's mental growth: Kimee specializes in "Puzzles and Patterns" to help with math and logical thinking. A 5-legged puppet named Jup-Jup features prominently in these segments; he takes ordinary things from Kimee and gives her what she needs to solve the puzzles. Karla/Yasmeen focuses on "Body Move" to emphasize physical activity and coordination. Yasmeen replaced Karla in this segment. Curtis creates "Music" to show melody, rhythm and beat. Jenn works with "Word Play" to expand children's vocabulary, often using rhyming and song. Shaun/Sydney helps identify "Shapes in Space" - visual and spacial awareness, shapes, colors and sizes. Sydney replaced Shaun in this segment. DVDs are available of all the show's seasons, making it easy for a busy parent to still show Hi-5 to their children on a schedule. Their CDs are also readily available, and they even have shows and games available on the V-tech and other electronic learning toys. http://www.poptower.com/hi-5.htm or http://www.hi5america.com/
