“Sesame Street” – mamasmunchkin

I thought this week, I’d change things up and give a review of a trip my son and I took. We went to the Orlando Science Center’s “Sesame Street” Exhibit “The Body”. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve been to the Science Center before and always enjoyed myself. He loves “Sesame Street”, so I knew he’d enjoy himself too. Before we arrived, I didn’t realize the amount of information they made available for kids that young to learn. This time, I discovered I may even be a bit of a science nerd myself.

As I’ve said in previous posts, “Sesame Street” has always been an inclusive show. They’re always showing different groups of kids playing together. That’s the beginning to acceptance of diversity. These exhibits weren’t any different. We started out seeing exhibits on how the lungs and heart worked. These were cool because it was totally hands on, and he had a blast! Then, we came upon an exhibit showing how people with vision impairments use their fingers to read Braille. There was also a virtual obstacle course that had different variations of transportation. There was a rowing machine and a spot people could run in place to complete the course too. The next compartment had a wheelchair to get through the course. I saw this as a way to help others understand different ways people get around.

Praise goes to “Sesame Street” yet again, for planting the seeds of acceptance of diverse populations early on in life. And thank you to The Orlando Science Center for making the exhibit available for people to see. Not only was it a fun experience that we both enjoyed but, when my son and other children get to see what life might be like for anyone else, when they interact with people during different phases of their lives, I’m sure kindness and willingness to know others as people first will touch anyone they meet.

What other activities could help children begin to have exposure to different groups?

Thanks for reading..

As we watched “Handy Manny” on Disney Junior the other day, I noticed there were and in the past have been a few episodes that had supporting disabled characters in the show. Whether it’s the person walking down the street with their guide dog or the person who needed a ramp to go play basketball in the gym with the other kids, Disney Junior seems to be moving with the times. I know that it’s a bilingual show, which is great too, but it also seems to come with an underlying benefit for others too.

I know in the past, “Sesame Street” has always tried to be an inclusive show, even when I was younger, which like I’ve said before, you didn’t see back then that often. The importance is that the more exposure disabled people get in the media that targets younger children and kids, it seems to me, the more acceptance of diverse groups can be forged in the future.

This type of exposure gives way to the possibility of less bullying in schools and different environments too. One result of this could be that the issue of disability won’t be so rare when our kids meet in school, or anywhere else. If you’ve read my earlier posts, just like with “Dolls for Downs”(posted April 6, 2013), the fact that these characters are being shown to younger people also gives them and their families a way in which to discuss the topic of disability. I know that I’ve been in the store sometimes and kids that are 6 or 7 years old will be staring at me and try to ask a question. When I stop and encourage them to ask, it seems like their parent is more afraid than the child is to ask. Maybe if children see kids with different limitations in their cartoons, they may even be able to help their mom or dad not be so apprehensive about approaching the subject too.

What benefits might come from more media exposure of different disabilities?

Thanks for reading..

Tag: “Sesame Street”

Orlando Science Center and Sensitivity to All

Disney Jr.’s Handy Manny More Diverse than you Think