FAQ's
Q: Why has Nickelodeon devoted a whole channel ? Nick Jr. - to preschoolers?
A: Nickelodeon conducts a lot of research, and that research has consistently told us that parents of children under five recognise the value of quality television as a learning tool for their kids, but have been frustrated by the lack of programmes available. The research also showed the busy nature of the average preschoolers? day. Parents also told us they needed the flexibility to work television into their kids? jam-packed schedules, to avoid having upset toddlers who had missed their favourite show.
Q: When will Nick Jr. be available?
A: Nick Jr. has been available since March 2004 when FOXTEL and AUSTAR began their digital services.
Q: What?s happened to the Nick Jr. block?
A: The Nick Jr. block will still exist on Nickelodeon, but will run from to 9:30am ? 11:30am. There will now be more programming for 5 ? 12year olds on Nickelodeon. During school holidays the Nick Jr. block moves to 6am ? 9am.
Q: Why are shows repeated so often on Nick Jr.?
A: Nick Jr. is programmed in three 8-hour blocks. Little kids learn through repetition. It is a valuable educational tool that lets them develop traditional skills like counting or saying the alphabet, as well as less tangible things like problem solving, and flexible thinking. Repetition means they can anticipate and plan, get ready to dance or do the actions they?ve come to know. For the Nick Jr. target audience, repetition is a great thing.
Q: What are Nick Jr.?s most popular shows?
A: Some of Nick Jr.?s most popular shows are Dora the Explorer, Blue?s Clues, Hi 5 and Open Sesame. They have previously been on the Nick Jr. block on Nickelodeon, but now will also appear on the Nick Jr. channel. Preschoolers have made many new friends on the Nick Jr. channel including our very own Sesame Muppet Ollie, the Backyardigans, Joy and Simon from Play Along and Luis from Cooking For Kids with Luis. There are also classic favourites such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Make Way for Noddy.
Q: How do I get Nick Jr. and how much does it cost?
A: Call your service provider for information on packages, pricing and installation requirements. Or visit their websites FOXTEL - www.foxtel.tv AUSTAR - www.austar.com.au
Q: How is Nick Jr. programming different from the programming that?s already available at no cost to parents?
A: Nick Jr. is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is specifically for preschoolers, and programmed with specific developmental and learning goals in mind (for example, for preschoolers repetition is important so they can plan, solve problems, learn words and actions and anticipate outcomes.) A channel programmed exclusively for preschoolers means there is no chance they will see programming that isn?t appropriate for them in messaging or news breaks.
Q: What Australia programs are kids able to see?
A: Nick Jr. features: Joy and Simon on Play Along Ollie the Sesame Muppet, who is Australia?s first Muppet Hi-5 Cooking For Kids with Luis Bambaloo
Q: Is Nick Jr. making any programs, or are they buying them all from elsewhere?
A: Nick is producing Play Along, Cooking For Kids with Luis and Ollie the Sesame Muppet segments. Nick Jr. is always looking to produce and air Australian preschool programming. We have specific curriculum goals that govern our selection criteria.
Q: What Nick Jr. merchandise is available in Australia?
A: Currently on the market there are the following products: Videos and DVDs of Blue?s Clues and Dora the Explorer Interactive CD Roms and Games of Blue?s Clues and Dora the Explorer Apparel, books, games, clothing and toys in the Blue?s Clues range These products are available through major department stores such as Target, Big W, Kmart and Myer. There is currently no Ollie merchandise available to buy.
