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Sesame Workshop responds to Hurricane Katrina

© Nicholas Moreau

In response to the recent news and concerns surrounding the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Katrina, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, has updated its website to offer parents and caregivers tools that will help children cope during the aftermath of this stressful weather event. In addition, the nonprofit organization will re-air Sesame Street's hurricane series, starting September 12th and related Public Service Announcements, starting September 2nd.

"Sesame Workshop knows that young children nationwide are affected by a disaster like Hurricane Katrina," says Dr. Lewis Bernstein, Executive Vice President, Education, Research and Outreach, Sesame Workshop. "Children in the immediate, affected areas in Mississippi and Louisiana will need ongoing support, but young children nationwide are also aware of the disaster, and need help putting events into context." He added, "We are offering parents a trusted place to go to address the emotions that children feel when they are faced with any kind of natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina. It is crucial for adults to validate their children's feelings and we are providing strategies to help them."

The website, www.sesameworkshop.org, provides tips on how to manage the fear and anxiety often associated with frightening or traumatic events including severe weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes or thunderstorms. Ideas for indoor activities that help to divert a child's attention away from the crisis are available; and parents can access outreach materials from You Can Ask! - a multi-lingual disaster recovery program made possible by Sesame Workshop and Project Liberty, a program that provided free crisis counseling to the victims of September 11. The materials support children in handling concerns about their own safety and the safety of those closest to them. Other online resources include storm-related tips and information, most offered in English and Spanish, from Sesame Workshop's Education and Research division as well as links to organizations providing assistance to hurricane victims and Public Service Announcements.

Sesame Workshop, PBS KIDS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) will broadcast a special five-part installment of Sesame Street, set to air on PBS KIDS beginning the week of September 12 (check local listings). Through this encore presentation of Sesame Street's first hurricane, parents will be provided with the tools necessary to help their children cope with tough emotions like loss and fear. This special broadcast, funded by the CPB, features a special appearance by Today's Al Roker, as Big Bird and friends must pull together to face the arrival of this weather phenomenon.