Happy Birthday Sesame Street

Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street? Ask just about any child, teenager, parent or grandparent and they can tell you. That is the testament to the Sesame Street show’s impact on our society!

The first episode of Sesame Street debuted on November 10, 1969 (when I was in diapers!) and has been a mainstay of preschool educational television and culture ever since. It’s cast of legendary characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Grover, Bert, Ernie and Kermit the Frog,  as well as its ability to continually evolve based on the topics and trends in today’s society have enabled Sesame Street to continue its popularity for the past 40 years – even as it has only been broadcast on public television.

How could you forget some of the most famous Sesame Street lines ever?

• Hello everybodeeeeeeeee! It is I, Grover!”
• “À la peanut butter sandwiches!” –The Amazing Mumford
• “Hi ho! Kermit the Frog here!”
• “I’m too tall to be short” –Big Bird
• “I can’t hear you—I’ve got a banana in my ear.” –Ernie

What about all the great videos? Including my absolute personal favorite – Monster in the Mirror sung by the irresistible Grover -

By the way, what is your all time favorite Sesame Street character, song, or episode? You can check out all the classic Sesame Street songs and episodes on the Sesame Street YouTube channel.

Most recently, the current First Lady, Michelle Obama recently appeared on Sesame Street, talking about her garden. The list of other famous celebrities and bands that have appeared on the show over the years is just mind boggling, too.

If you are celebrating Sesame Street’s birthday with your kids (well, you can celebrate your childhood, too), here are some more great inspirations, activities, and printables to make it even more fun!

• One of my most favorite sites, Bakerella, has made Sesame Street Cake Pops – these are the cutest thing EVER!
• 40 Things You Didn’t Know About 40 Years of Sesame Street
• Sesame Street Alphabet Coloring Page
• More Sesame Street coloring pages and crafts
• Sesame Street Party Supplies and everything for an Abby Cadabby themed birthday party, too!
• Huge selection of Sesame Street inspired cakes, cupcakes and cookies

Here’s to at least 40 more years of Sesame Street goodness!!