Anyone who has kids will recognize the above lyrics and can probably sing or at least hum the entire song. This song is of course the opening theme song for the long running children's show "Sesame Street".
Recently I wrote about "Gone With The Winds" 75th anniversary the movie is considered an American classic. Well I think this TV show also falls under the category of American classics, especially when you consider it's celebrating its 45th year on November 10th.
The show (which was geared toward preschool children) was conceived in 1966 by TV producer Joan Ganz Cooney and Carnegie Corp. VP Lloyd Morrisett. Their goal was to create a show that would turn the addictive qualities of TV into some thing good - such as preparing young children for school.
The educational television program (geared toward preschool children) first aired on public broadcasting television stations on the 10th of November 1969. By the show's tenth anniversary in 1979, nine million American children under the age of six were watching Sesame Street daily, and several studies showed it was having a positive educational impact.
In November 1970, the cover of Time magazine featured Big Bird, who had received more fan mail (gotta love that big yellow bird) than any of
the show's human hosts. The magazine declared, "... It is not only the
best children's show in TV history, it is one of the best parents' shows
as well. During it's run history Sesame Street has won eight Grammys and over a hundred Emmys, now I'd say that's pretty impressive.
Of course as with anything times change and Sesame Street is no exception. My daughters watched during the mid 80's to mid 90's and I remember so well the teaching tools used for not only academics but also relationships and emotions that make up basic human behavior. Of course one of the big draws for my daughters were the lovable characters, how could you not fall in love with them and feel like they were real friends.
Best friends "Bert & Ernie", so completely different from each other - Bert with his wanting everything neat and tidy and Ernie with his love of fun not to mention his "Rubber Ducky" - but their message was to teach children that two people can be totally different and still get along and love each other.
Count von Count who's love of counting everything help teach math skills, who can forget "That is one red apple, two red apples, three red apples Ah... ah... ah!". Oscar was a grouch no doubt about that but his message was that it's OK to sometimes feel grouchy and not everyone has the same opinion all the time.
What do you get if you mix together brown fur, enormous googly eyes then make it seven feet tall and twelve feet wide with a lumbering walk - Of course you guessed it "Snuffy", Big Bird's loving imaginary friend.
Of all the characters I think my kids favorite (I have to admit it was mine too) was "Elmo" he was small (suppose to be three years old) with an adorable tiny little voice that always started a conversation with "Elmo has a question".
Of course as I mention earlier things change and Sesame Street is no exception. It's still a terrific learning tool for children but now instead of sitting in front of the TV kids watch in digital formats. The opening theme while still the same words now has a jazzier beat to it.
Sketches has also changed to fit the times, one in particular concerning "Cookie Monster" who now tends to devourer a plate of vegetables instead of cookies. Like I said everything needs to adapt to the current times and I'm all for teaching children about good eating habits but picturing "Cookie Monster" not going crazy over cookies anymore is a little sad.
Well changes or not I'm glad this wonderful show is still being enjoyed by children. I'd like to take this opportunity to wish "Sesame Street" a "Happy 45th Anniversary" and hopes for many more.
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