WHAT EXACTLY IS IN THIS SHOW?

​

INTRODUCTION

Children are introduced to Kathy Possum, a true-blue, ridgey-didge, dinky-di Aussie who teaches them a host of cool Aussie terms and their meaning, including her catch phrase 'coo-ee'. The toe-tapping song 'Coo-ee' ensues and the audience repeats the newly learned Aussie terms and associated actions, following Kathy Possum's cues.

 

THE BIGGER PICTURE 

After identifying America and Australia on an EarthBall, children recognize physical elements of the world (land and sea) and the interconnectedness of people around the world. Kathy Possum performs a snippet of 'We Say G'day', a song featuring how to say hello in 18 different languages.

​​

BRAIN STIMULATION

Using the giant, hand-painted backdrop of the Australian bush as a stimulus, children explore Australia's unique environment and fauna. The song iSpider - a melodic spin on the game 'I Spy' - encourages children to identify animals beginning with the sound 'kuh' (k as in kangaroo / c as in cockatoo etc).

​

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Time to get the heart rates up! Children learn how the Aboriginal people of Australia mimic the kangaroo for the purposes of traditional dance.  Afterwards they perform those actions and hope A LOT during the song 'Hop Hop Hop'. This song also introduces children to the concept of endangered species.

​

QUIET RECOVERY TIME

Don't underestimate the 'quiet' part of the show - this is often the most powerful segment of the program! Introducing Willomena Wombat, a nocturnal animal who needs the audience to help coax her out of the shadows (her burrow) by singing the choruses of 'Willomena Wombat'. Children often feel strong emotions during this segment as they identify and/or empathize with Willomena negotiating trust and safety. ​

​

CULTURE

Now for a very special treat - something you won't see every day - or possibly ever - the didjeridoo played live! Kathy Possum teaches children about the didjeridoo, where it comes from, how it's made and what it's used for. She then demonstrates how it is played, much to the jaw-dropping delight and sometimes bewildered amusement of the audience.

​

PARTICIPATION

While seeing is 'silver', doing is 'gold'. That is why every child (up to 100 participants) can borrow a set of Aboriginal style clapsticks.  Kathy Possum teaches children the safe way to use this primitive instrument and guides them through various rhythms and dynamics with the song 'Let's Clap Together'. 

​

PUPPET

For the big finale, meet Cocky, an animated professional cockatoo puppet by Axtell Expressions. Cockatoos are known to be very noisy birds who can be trained to talk. Kids will laugh their heads off at the antics of this crazy bird as he avoids performing his routine at all costs. Eventually he cooperates when the children prompt him through the song 'Hello Cocky'. 

 

RECAP

Children recount what they have seen and learned as they discuss the main elements of the show with Kathy Possum. At this time the audience can ask any burning questions or share their thoughts about the show or Australia. It's also the part where children usually ask Kathy Possum to come back again!!!

​

We finish the show with a reprise of the song 'Coo-ee' where children learn a few more Aussie terms and say goodbye to Kathy Possum.  Finally the audience takes a big stretch and a few deep breaths before being handed back quietly to their carers where they listen for further instructions.