Sesame Workshop Roll out new content to help during the pandemic

Building on last week’s launch of the Caring for Each Other initiative, Sesame Workshop is rolling out brand new content to help families stay physically and mentally healthy as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Today’s release on SesameStreet.org/caring includes animations on healthy habits, resources providing comfort, and activities that caregivers can use to spark learning in areas like reading, math, science, and more. The animated spots, which will be available in 19 languages, include Elmo’s new “Washy Wash” song (updating the popular “Brushy Brush”), as well as Sesame Street Muppets learning how to sneeze properly and how caring for yourself means caring for each other.

Like many children and families, the Sesame Street Muppets and friends are spending time at home and connecting with friends and family virtually. New messages of love, kindness, and fun will be posted on a regular basis on Sesame Street social media channels, including Snack Time with Cookie Monster, Singalong with Elmo, Move & Groove with Abby Cadabby and Grover, and Story Time with Alan.

“Sesame Street is there for children and families whether it’s a sunny day or a stormy one, and unfortunately many families are facing unprecedented challenges right now,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of US Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. “Through Caring for Each Other,we’re committed to supporting families for the duration of this crisis and beyond—equipping them with the tools they need to get through this together and look to the future with hope and optimism.”

The new animated spots will be distributed through a wide range of partners in the US and globally, including HBO, PBS KIDS and local PBS stations, Univision, the Ad Council, YouTube, Sesame Street in Communities partners, and international broadcast partners. They will be available in the coming days in languages including English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Bangla, Dutch, Dari, German, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Kurdish, Mandarin, Pashto, Portuguese, Rohingya, Somali, Swahili, and additional dialects.

Additional tools debuting today on SesameStreet.org/caring include coping strategies, child-friendly explanations to tough questions, and ways to help everyone stay healthy. Also included are self-care tips for caregivers: as grownups try to adjust to their “for now normal,” it’s important that they take care of themselves so that they can best care for their children. Additionally, families can sign up for a weekly guide to new Sesame Street activities and strategies.