Millions of children across the country have tuned their heads toward the television to watch the same classic children’s series. To this day, two generations share fond childhood memories of watching the classic kids’ series Sesame Street.

Jim Henson created Sesame Street in the mid-sixties. Joan Ganz Cooney, a television editor, asked Henson to create a family of muppet characters for a Sesame Street show. In her mind, there were not enough educational shows for children, and so Sesame Street was born [www.characterproducts.com].

This classic show has entertained millions of kids around the world. After years of playing on countless televisions, the beloved Muppets celebrated their 35th anniversary in November 2004.

“I watched Sesame Street as a child,” Jovanne Tamparon, ’08, said. “I think education is important for children, especially at a young age, and Sesame Street really gets them thinking.”

The education that Sesame Street gives to young viewers not only appeals to them, but also to adults.

“I remember watching Sesame Street as a kid,” Michael Fuller, English teacher, said. “There was something about that show that set it apart from all the other shows available at that time. I enjoyed it very much when I was little.”

After 31 seasons, Sesame Street creators are still constantly producing new characters to make the show better.

“Most shows on TV now tend to focus on the same things in every single episode,” Nick Fraizer, ’07, said. “That’s why it’s important to have good writers for your show because they have to consistently strive to make good additions in order to keep the audience interested.”

Like to most shows, Sesame Street portrays loveable characters that keep viewers tuning in.

“My favorite character was always Grover,” Tim Wilborn, ’06, said. “He could fly and he is also a waiter.”

The use of special puppets, called Muppets, originated on Sesame Street, and has lead to the creation of countless beloved Muppet characters, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Sesame Street has won 50 Emmy Awards in recognition of their superior childhood programming. [www.characterproducts.com]

For more information regarding Sesame Street, visit www.characterproducts.com.

Also to learn more about the history of Rizzo the Rat and other Muppet icons, read the article “”Year of Rizzo declared”” written by Eric Witters on Oct. 29, 2001. Or go online to www.muppetworld.com or www. muppets.com.

For other information on Sesame Street and the Muppets, go online to fcis.oise.utoronto.ca.

For information on how to purchase Muppets videos or CDs, go online at www.gracefulboot.com/reviews/Muppet-Show-DVD-Review.html.