Today is a day that everyone under the age of 100 will be able to relate to in some way or another……what has lasted this long or made such an impact that almost everyone has heard of it?

None other than your favorite characters on Sesame Street! Today is the anniversary of the very first episode of Sesame Street that aired on November 10, 1969.

On that day, Cookie Monster, Ernie and Bert, Big Bird, Grover and Oscar the Grouch first launched themselves into our lives. When I say launched, I mean just that. I think Sesame Street became an overnight success, gathering more views from children and parents alike.

Sesame Street was the place where everyday things happened, but they were made into “learning experiences” for the likes of the Muppets (puppets with human helpers). It also took some of the scary things that happen to children and make them less frightening. That first day of school, going to the store by yourself, going to the library, going to the doctors, you name the situation and the Muppets along with their human friends, took the “scary” out and put the “I can do this” in!

Sesame Street empowered children all over the world to explore without fear, to try new foods, read new books, learn kindness, compassion and caring, all in a way that was fun and not at all intimidating. There were songs to be sung, lessons to be learnt, languages to explore too and characters to love.

Each of the Muppets had their own characters and nuances that children and adults could relate to without any stretch of the imagination. At the same time, because they were so easy to relate to, they were immediately accepted into our lives.

Whenever the musical introduction came on the TV, whatever my kids were doing stopped and they ran to situate themselves in their favorite spot and sing along, waiting to see what their favorite characters were going to be doing that day. There was never a dull moment!

Sesame Street is an endearing and enduring favorite of kids of all ages. There isn’t anyone that I can think of, that hasn’t in someway been touched by the antics and situations that were part of every day on Sesame Street.

Sesame Street taught many children how to count, their alphabet, how to tie their shoes, how to speak a few words of Spanish and how to deal with children of all walks and ethnic groups. One of the greatest things I remember seeing on Sesame Street, was disabled children included at a time when most were still not able to participate in everyday activities. I do believe that Sesame Street was responsible for opening many doors that were still closed to youngsters that were “different”. Empathy was foremost and easily encouraged in all the people and Muppets that made up the cast of Sesame Street.

My own children lived, breathed and enjoyed Sesame Street for many years. New characters were added and each were accepted Elmo and Snuffalupagus, The Count and many others over the years. Sesame Street was always a breath of fresh air for young minds.

Sesame street continues to be a favorite of children from 1 right through to 5 or 6. Their appeal comes from the stories that are told around them and that they are featured in. I know my own kids still have their special episodes of Sesame Street and can recall them without too much prompting! My kids have kiddies of their own now, and Sesame Street has been part of their lives too! That just goes to speak the volumes of positive things, that came out of a little program, that had it’s start on a Street, a Street called Sesame Street!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Morris is a writer with many talents. She is passionate about many subjects and loves to share her knowledge and experiences on the internet. In particular she enjoys sharing details about the products she loves and recommends them thanks to her own personal experiences. In recent years, Olivia has become a passionate and experienced gardener and enjoys sharing her knowledge with you. See more about Olivia on her profile at The Writer’s Door. See more of her work at her website.