Wed10th Nov
Sesame Street Day
There are very few people in the world aged fifty years old or less who have not been impacted by Sesame Street in their childhood years. So, it only makes sense that Sesame Street Day was created to celebrate the tremendous influence that this maverick television program has had upon the lives of so many people around the world. History of Sesame Street Day Sesame Street Day was first established in 2009 to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the show’s original broadcast. While initiated in New York City, it should come as no great surprise that this occasion is now recognized by tens of thousands of individuals from all over the planet. In fact, the number of followers for this particular day continues to grow each year. Beginning in 1969 in the United States, Sesame Street is a creation of the Children’s Television Workshop (CTW), which is broadcast on the Public Broadcasing Service (PBS). It’s an educational series that combines live actors with animation as w ell as special puppets by Jim Henson, known as “Muppets”.
Many of the recurring characters have remained with the show for many years, particularly Kermit the Frog, friends Ernie and Bert, Big Bird and Cookie Monster. Elmo came into the scene in the mid-80s and many more characters have joined since then as well. Through short vignettes, songs, skits and cameo appearances, the show seeks to create educational opportunities for children of all ages by fostering learning, engaging their minds, building social skills, promoting self-esteem and offering basic academic skills. 6
While the finances of the show started out as a collaboration between government and private corporations, they have become mostly financially independent due to their licensing agreements and corporate deals that help to keep the show alive. Over the years, Sesame Street has hosted hundreds of famous guests. It all started with James Earl Jones back in 1969, going through the alphabet in delightful voices. Since then, over 800 guest stars have joined the show including politicians (President Bill Clinton), musicians (New York Philharmonic), journalists (Katie Courick), actors (John Krasinski), athletes (Michael Phelps) and so many more. In the more than 50 years since its inception, Sesame Street has gained quite the following with The first international version of the show didn’t take long to come about, which was in Brazil in 1972, just three years after the original show aired. It is broadcast in more than 140 countries in at least 70 languages, and has over 30 different international versions that are adapted to local cultures and issues. And all of it is with the intention of creating healthy, happy, well-rounded kids who are engaged in learning and life. How to Celebrate Sesame Street Day Commemorating Sesame Street Day has no real conventions, so everyone can choose to celebrate it as they see personally fit! But here are some interesting ideas for ways to get in the spirit and celebrate the day:
