If you raised children in the last 40 years, or even were a child then, one show you won’t forget is Sesame Street. A childhood staple since 1969, this show was created to help young children prepare for school. Now shown in 140 countries worldwide, Sesame Street has had such an iconic impact on our culture that most people have a favorite character.
Fan favorites such as Big Bird, Ernie and Bert, the Cookie Monster, Elmo, Snuffleupagus, Grover and Oscar the Grouch still teach and entertain children today. And don’t forget the count – still teaching children their numbers in his Transylvanian accent. Sure things have changed over the years, Oscar now supports recycling, characters have divorced parents; everyone on the street can now see Snuffleupagus.
But while the show has continued to evolve to keep up with the times - and give children a sense of relating to the various characters – Sesame Street still inspires, involves, teaches, and sparks interest in a way only muppets can. With so many other children’s shows, and even a cartoon channel, targeting young minds, it is nice to still be able to rely on a show that still focuses on child development and education. It also does its best to make children aware of the social world – both the good and the bad.
By integrating real-life situations into the lives of the characters on the Street, it shows children they are not alone due to family circumstances such as divorce or economic situations. If Big Bird goes through something, the children relate – as they view him as a friend. What more could a child want? I hope my grandchildren will share the family tradition of having a favorite character and loving Sesame Street.
Here’s wishing you a world-class day!
