NEWS

Sesame Workshop launches Caring for Each Other platform as US states enter lockdown and schools close for ‘the foreseeable’

Published on: 23rd March 2020

Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organisation behind Sesame Street is offering a wealth of free resources to help children and families throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative – called Caring for Each Other – marks the beginning of a commitment to support families for the duration of the crisis, with Sesame Street content, learning activities, and virtual play dates all launching soon.

The launch arrives as families across the US battle the coronavirus pandemic with self isolation measures, and as New York enters lockdown. Across the UK, families and parents prepare to tackle a period of school closures for the ‘foreseeable’ future.

Sesame Workshop’s initiative features resources designed to help parents provide comfort and manage anxiety, as well as help with creating routines, fostering playful learning at home, and staying physically and mentally healthy.

SesameStreet.org/caring will be regularly updated to meet the needs of families as the situation evolves.

“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,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, senior vice president for curriculum and content, Sesame Workshop.

“But there are things parents and caregivers can do to face each day with optimism. Sesame Street is here to provide the caring adults in children’s lives with the resources they need to help children, and foster their healthy development at home.”

Sesame Workshop is also creating new content on topics like hand washing, how to cough or sneeze properly, and how taking good care of yourself means taking good care of others, which will be available in the US and globally in a wide range of languages and released in the coming weeks.

“Sesame Street has long been a source of comfort for children and families during difficult times,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president for US Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. “While we don’t always know what to expect, we know that Sesame Street friends have the power to convey simple strategies and messages to help children and the caring adults in their lives find comfort.

“With Caring for Each Other, we can help families get through these uncertain times and build hope for the future.”

Additionally, over 110 free Sesame Street ebooks are available on all major ebook platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Nook, Google Play, and Kobo.

Resources will also be distributed through a wide range of partners in the US and globally, including community providers serving vulnerable families through Sesame Street in Communities and PBS stations.

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