Growing up, I can still vividly remember so many of the lessons I learned from my pals on Sesame Street: the difference between near and far, how crayons were made, and even more serious topics like death. As PBS marks the 40th anniversary of the show that has educated several generations of children, I took a stroll down memory lane (via youtube) to see how those shows of the 1970s and 1980s have stood the test of time, and what the two and three-year-olds of today are watching.
The Sesame Street of today is a bit different than the version I grew up with: Cookie Monster now eats fruits and vegetables, Oscar is a bit less grouchy, and “Snuffelupagus” can be seen by everyone – not just Big Bird. But time hasn’t changed the best parts about Sesame Street. Equality is still front and center; neighbors are still nice to each other; and learning is fun.
In googling Sesame Street, I also came across a great resource for parents who want to teach their kids about emergency preparedness. Grover and Rosalita will show your family how to get ready, how to make an emergency kit, and why it is important to know your name.
And even though I don’t watch Sesame Street on a regular basis anymore, I can only hope it will continue for at least a little while longer, so someday my kids will get to experience the colorful world of Big Bird, Oscar, Grover, Elmo, Cookie, Count, Bert and Ernie.
Katie Nagus is the communication coordinator for the St. Louis Area Chapter.