While children and families everywhere continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new “Sesame Street” special episode of “Elmo’s World News” from Sesame Workshop and the LEGO Foundation will bring learning and support in managing emotions to viewers across the world.  

The 25-minute special episode will air in more than 13 languages across the Middle East, Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and more. Sesame’s episode comes as part of the Caring for Each Other initiative. The special, which was produced with creatives and puppeteers across multiple continents. It will model learning activities for families to do together at home and give children strategies to manage big feelings like frustration or sadness.  

“With so many children around the world navigating new routines, it’s more important than ever to give families the tools they need to cope with challenges and foster playful learning at home,” says Sherrie Westin, president, social impact and philanthropy, Sesame Workshop. “Play is critical to a child’s healthy development, and that’s especially true during times of uncertainty. Together with the LEGO Foundation, we can harness the power of play to meet the evolving needs of families everywhere and help them build the resilience that will carry them through these tough times and beyond.” 

In addition to “Elmo’s World News” Sesame Workshop will produce a series of short-form videos and digital activities and tips on staying healthy, learning at home through play and caring for yourself and others. The short-form content will be released over the coming months to help families through the different challenges and transitions they experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Play-based education is vital for children’s psychological, emotional, and cognitive health and development, and hones the resilience they need to overcome challenges like our current reality,” says John Goodwin, chief executive officer, the LEGO Foundation. “With more than 1.5 billion children displaced from traditional learning environments, the LEGO Foundation is committed to finding creative solutions to accelerate learning through play amid the pandemic. We are proud to collaborate with our partner, Sesame Workshop, to ensure that children have access to education and develop the critical skills needed to thrive in today’s constantly changing world, and in the future beyond the pandemic.” 

Sesame Workshop hosted a panel at Licensing Week Virtual about their efforts of doing well by doing good. You can read more about the panel here, and register for Licensing Week Virtual here.