Sesame Workshop has launched the next phase of its ongoing Coming Together initiative, a “Word of the Day” video series that harnesses the power of language to nurture children’s positive and healthy senses of self.   

Produced in partnership with WarnerMedia Kids & Family and inspired by the “Sesame Street” segment, the short-form series features “Sesame Street” Muppets and celebrity friends learning about words like belonging, fairness and proud.   

Starting with Amanda Gorman introducing the word “Upstander,” guests will include Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union, Brett Goldstein, Anna Cathcart, Zazie Beetz, Ava DuVernay and First Lady, Jill Biden. The videos will roll out simultaneously on “Sesame Street’s” YouTube channel and across Cartoon Network and Cartoonito’s social channels.  

“’Sesame Street’ is such a beloved institution and source of joy and understanding for children; when I was little it was absolutely one of my favorite shows,” says Gorman of her visit to the esteemed children’s series. “It was the honor of a lifetime to visit ‘Sesame Street’ in person!”  

“It’s incredibly important that we are constantly providing the resources for our children that reinforce messages of love and unity, and now more than ever, inclusivity and resilience,” says Dennis Williams, senior vice president, corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility, WarnerMedia. “Working with these respected talent and educators that our youth audiences trust and find engaging, we couldn’t be prouder to be an ongoing partner in this wonderful collaboration with Sesame Workshop.”  

The new “Word of the Day” videos join a host of other Coming Together content that celebrates uplifting themes of racial, ethnic and cultural identities in a developmentally appropriate way.   

“We know that children are not colorblind; they absorb messages about their own and others’ identities from a very young age, from their own lives and the world around them,” says Akimi Gibson, vice president and education publisher, Sesame Workshop and one of the leaders of the Coming Together initiative. “To help children of all backgrounds build empathy and self-esteem, families need language to talk about race, ethnicity, and culture in an open and positive way. With these new videos –and as with all of our Coming Together content – we want to support caregivers as they help their children navigate our complex world.”  

In addition to short-form content, Coming Together also includes a CNN Town Hall and two full-length specials – The Power of We and See Us Coming Together – that explore themes of community, fairness and belonging. Newly introduced “Sesame Street” Muppets like Tamir and Ji-Young star in the content – and join Elmo, Cookie Monster and friends in their playful learning adventures on the flagship series. Supporting videos, printable activities and articles for caregivers roll out on “Sesame Street’s” digital and social media channels regularly. Beyond “Sesame Street” itself, the principles of Coming Together are woven throughout Sesame Workshop’s other series and initiatives.  

Gorman’s “Word of the Day” video is available here, with more to come in the coming weeks. For more resources and information about Coming Together, visit Sesame Workshop’s website.