As people across the country are hunkered down at home to comply with social distancing orders to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, kids are adjusting to a lot less time with their peers. Not only are they not seeing their classmates in school, but most extracurricular activities and even playdates are canceled during this difficult time. However, this doesn’t mean we have to completely disconnect from our friends and family.
Just like you might be getting used to more FaceTime calls with pals and Zoom meetings with your colleagues, Sesame Street is offering kids the opportunity to feel connected with a “virtual playdate” hosted by none other than Elmo.
“Sesame Street: Elmo’s Playdate” will air on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. ET on all WarnerMedia Networks: HBO, HBO Latino, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TBS, TNT, truTV and PBS KIDS 24/7 channel and streaming platforms.
PBS will continue to re-air the TV special throughout the month. Beginning on April 15, it will also be available in the United Kingdom, Mexico, Singapore and Canada.
The half-hour simulcast will feature appearances from celebrities including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway and Tracee Ellis Ross. Together with Elmo and some of his muppet friends, including Grover, Cookie Monster and Abby Cadabby, they will find fun things to do online and together with their families.
Part of “Sesame Street’s” new “Caring for Each Other” initiative, the special will also help kids learn about the importance of everyday heroes, such as doctors and EMTs, that are working on the frontlines of the pandemic.
The whole gang will sing songs, play games and take dance breaks within a video conference format, designed to model play and learning opportunities at home.
“We hope ‘Sesame Street: Elmo’s Playdate’ will entertain and inspire families at a moment when so many are feeling isolated and overwhelmed by current events,” Steve Youngwood, Sesame Street Workshop’s president of media & education and chief operating officer, said in a statement. “With help from our distribution partners around the world, this special will encourage parents and kids to gather and relax as a family — in a way that only the ‘Sesame Street’ muppets can.”
Will you tune in next week to let your kids learn more about socializing at a distance?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
