Sesame Street Love
8 Sesame Street Videos for Fun or For Your Classroom
Dear Readers,
I (Lizzie) have been watching a lot of Sesame Street. Have you watched the documentary Street Gang? It’s. So. Great. It follows the genesis of Sesame Street, the people who made it what it is, and what it has worked to do over the years. One thing that stood out to me is Sesame Street’s commitment to being honest with children, and the discussion around what the show would do when one of its main characters, Mr. Hooper (played by Will Lee) unexpectedly died in 1982. I think it’s a must watch for teachers.
So, brought to you by the number 8, here are 8 great songs from Sesame Street to use in your classroom—or just watch for fun. Hoping they brighten your day. (Please add your faves in the comments, too!)
Lizzie
First for some oldies to put a smile on our adult faces:
Paul Simon Sings See Me & Julio with a great little girl and adorable kid dancers. I just keep watching this. It makes me so happy. Who knows, maybe there is a way to pull this into the classroom. Maybe if you are a kinder teacher, replace with your own kids’ names during name study “Me and [Katrina] down by the school yard…”
U Really Got a Hold on Me with Smokey Robinson and the Letter U
“I don’t like U, but I love U…” Such a great song, and a fun adaptation.
And now for some to use purposefully with your students:
I Wonder, What If, Let’s Try! with Hailee Steinfeld
A motto for solving problems…in math, in science, in life!
What Are We Going to Play Today? with Andy Grammer
For the start of play workshop, or even recess! “Plan the play, then play the plan.” Hey! This could also be changed to “Plan the book, then write your plan” for writing workshop…
Common and Colbie Caillat Sing Belly Breathe with Elmo
For calming down—with a nice rhythm.
I Love My Hair (Mando’s Spanish Version) or I Love My Hair original
Just a beautiful, affirming song. Read it alongside Hair Love or Laxmi’s Mooch.
Fun fact, a while back, Lizzie was part of a joint grad-undergrad fellowship for social change program with “Mando” (Ismael Cruz Cordova) at NYU!
“She’s a girl who’s gonna change the world…”
Why not pair this with read alouds about strong women today and in history. And/Or have kids think about the mark they want to make on the world.
Dave Matthews and Grover Sing About Feelings
Because we need precise vocabulary in life and in literacy!
Happy Watching :)
Love “I Wonder, What If, Let’s Try.” Added it to our shared singing songbook - my kids really like it too! We also discussed the lesson/meaning of the song :)
Love Sesame Street! Check out Common and Colbie Caillat Sing "Belly Breathe" with Elmo. We watch it after lunch.