While children and families in Bangladesh continue to feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Sisimpur special episode will bring playful learning and support in managing big feelings. In Elmo’s World News, Elmo hosts a pretend news program from his bedroom, calling on Halum, Tuktuki, Grover, and children from around the globe to share ways they’re continuing to play and learn while staying safe at home.
Premiering on June 27 on local television channels, the 25-minute special Sisimpur episode will model playful learning activities for families to do together at home and give children strategies to manage big feelings like frustration or sadness. The special episode, which was made possible by the support of the LEGO Foundation, will also air across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
In the episode, Halum and Tuktuki share breaking news on how children are managing and expressing their “big feelings” through movement and dance, while Reporter Raya shares a playful and interactive update on ways children around the world maintain daily routines. Weather Reporter Grover uses his imagination to “bring the outside inside” by adapting his favorite outdoor activities to create indoor fun. Special Correspondent Cookie Monster tells viewers about his “Things That Make Me Happy” box, a simple activity families can do together to practice mindfulness and gratitude with everyday objects.
“With so many children in Bangladesh out of school, Sisimpur is here to support families with the tools they need to foster playful learning at home and cope with challenges,” said Mohammad Shah Alam, the Executive Director of Sesame Workshop Bangladesh, the home of Sisimpur. “Together with the LEGO Foundation, we can harness the power of play to help families across Bangladesh build the resilience that will help them during these tough times and beyond.”
In addition to Elmo’s World News, new Sisimpur short-form videos and digital activities will be released in the coming months to help families through the different challenges and transitions they experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This special episode will air on 7 local TV channels on June 27 including Deepto TV at 7:45 am, Duronto TV at 1:00pm, RTV at 5:30pm, Bangla TV 5:30 pm, Maasranga TV at 6:30pm, Bijoy TV at 09:00pm and BTV at 09:30pm.
Made possible through the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Early Childhood Development Mass Media Activity, Sisimpur, has been helping children across Bangladesh grow smarter, stronger, and kinder since 2005. Sisimpur recently celebrated its 15th anniversary in Bangladesh. ♦
