Sesame Workshop Launches New Resources To Help Children And Families Learn Financial Literacy Skills

Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Sesame Street, has released new resources to help young children learn the basic concepts that serve as a foundation for financial education. Created with generous support from PNC Foundation through PNC Grow Up Great®, a nearly 20-year early childhood education initiative, the resources support early conversations around spending, sharing and saving money.

Financial stability remains a top concern for families with young children and by supporting caregivers and educators in teaching foundational financial skills early, they can help prepare children to make sound financial decisions as they grow. 

These free bilingual videos, activity guides, and articles feature Sesame Street friends Elmo and his dad, Louie; Cookie Monster; Abby; Bert; and Ernie as they learn about spending and saving, as well as the everyday moments they share that bring about joy in their lives: 

• In “Making a Spending Plan Together,” Cookie Monster learns about making a family spending plan with his mom. Thinking and planning ahead are key financial education skills. 
• In “Elmo’s Spend, Share, and Save Jars,” Elmo and Louie help Abby learn about spending, sharing, and saving money. 
• During a trip to the grocery store in “Wants and Needs with Bert and Ernie,” Bert helps Ernie learn an important financial education skill by teaching him about the difference between wants and needs. 
• For Me, For You, For Later: First Steps to Spending, Sharing, and Saving — Free digital guides specifically tailored for parents, caregivers, and educators teach children financial basics for now and in the future, as well as an accompanying professional development guide.

The new resources can be found in English and Spanish at sesame.org/FinancialEd. Additionally, they are being distributed through the Sesame Street in Communities program, an initiative for community providers who serve families and help children face challenges big and small. Teachers, healthcare professionals, social workers, and any providers working with families and children, are invited to use and share Sesame Workshop’s large and growing library of bilingual resources and professional development tools, created to support them in their vital work.