The coronavirus pandemic continues to be a health threat around the world. So, governments, businesses, communities and individuals are looking for ways to teach children how to protect themselves.
Children, however, often do not want to listen to grownups. But they might want to listen to imaginative creatures that are adorable, colorful and furry!
Muppets are puppets from the children’s show Sesame Street. They are helping to keep children healthy and safe during a difficult time.
Elmo, Grover and other Sesame Street Muppets star in new public service advertisements, or PSAs, from the Sesame Workshop.
These PSAs teach children about the importance of handwashing and safe ways to sneeze, limiting the spread of germs. The PSAs also spread the message to children that all of these actions show care and concern for others.
The short videos are part of a campaign called Caring for Each Other. Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that created the television show Sesame Street.
In a statement to the press, Sesame Workshop said that its campaign is aimed at helping families stay physically and mentally healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.
The project includes messages for children and caregivers. It offers reading, math and science activities along with songs and fun, educational videos.
Elmo is probably one of the most famous Muppets. He is known for a song about brushing teeth called “Brushy Brush.” That song has been updated to “Washy Wash” and teaches good handwashing.
Elmo reminds children to wash between the fingers and the tops of the hands. The video also reminds children to wash their hands for a full 20 seconds.
Another video in the Caring For Each Other campaign features Grover. This silly blue Muppet teaches children how to safely cough and sneeze.
Health experts recommend having a routine while quarantined. A set of things you normally do can help you to stay mentally healthy. So, Elmo explains his daily morning routine.
The loveable, red Muppet even uses a checklist that includes breakfast, brushing his teeth and exercise.
Dr. Rosemarie Truglio is Senior Vice President for Curriculum and Content at Sesame Workshop.
In the statement, Dr. Truglio said, “Around the world, young children’s lives are being turned upside down, and parents and caregivers are looking for ways to give their children—and themselves—a sense of stability in this new normal.”
The Associated Press reports that the new Sesame Street PSAs will be released around the world in 19 languages. Partners include HBO, PBS Kids, YouTube and the Ad Council.
I’m Anna Matteo.
Anna Matteo adapted this story from an Associated Press report. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.
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Words in This Story
pandemic – n. medical : an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people over a wide area or throughout the world
adorable – adj. very appealing or attractive : very lovable
furry – adj. covered with fur a hairy coat like an animal especially when it is soft and thick
germ – n. a microorganism (as a bacterium) that causes disease
silly – adj. not serious
Gesundheit : German Expression : used to wish good health especially to one who has just sneezed
quarantined – v. to isolate from normal relations or communication
checklist – n. a list of things to be checked or done
turned upside down – idiomatic expression informal : to make (something) very untidy —often used figuratively : His whole world was turned upside down when his mother died.
stability – n. the quality or state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change
