Whether you grew up watching the original 1969 episodes or your children are currently enamored with Elmo’s latest adventures, Sesame Street is a rare cultural thread that connects us all. It is a show that has survived the transition from black-and-white television to streaming on high-definition tablets, all while keeping its heart—and its humor—intact.
Today, we are diving into the world of Sesame Street crafts for kids. These projects are perfect for celebrating major milestones like Sesame Street Day on November 10th, or the birthdays of our favorite furry residents: Cookie Monster (November 2nd) and Elmo (February 3rd).
The Magic Behind the Street: Why We Celebrate
Before we get out the glue and googly eyes, let’s take a moment to appreciate why this show is so special. In the mid-1960s, producer Joan Ganz Cooney noticed a problem: children were spending upwards of 25 hours a week in front of the TV, but the content wasn’t doing much for their growing brains.
She asked a radical question: Could television be used to educate children as well as entertain them?
Working with the Carnegie Corporation and the legendary Jim Henson, the Children’s Television Workshop was born. The show was originally titled “123 Avenue B,” but the creators eventually landed on Sesame Street. They chose the word “Sesame” because of the phrase “Open Sesame”—a command that leads to a world of magic and hidden treasures.
Since its premiere on November 10, 1969, Sesame Street has become the longest-running children’s program in history, reaching over 150 million viewers in 150 countries.
15 Super Fun Sesame Street Crafts
From the kindness of Big Bird to the grumpiness of Oscar, these crafts capture the essence of the Muppets we love.
1. Paper Plate Elmo & Cookie Monster
The simplest crafts are often the best. Using a standard paper plate, some bright red or blue acrylic paint, and two large white circles for eyes, you can recreate these iconic faces.
- Pro Tip: For Cookie Monster, glue a real (or paper) cookie half-eaten into his mouth!
2. Oscar the Grouch Trash Can Craft
Oscar lives in a trash can for a reason—he loves “junk!” Use an empty tin can or a silver-painted toilet paper roll. Glue on green pom-poms or shredded green paper for Oscar’s fur.
- The Detail: Don’t forget his pet worm, Slimey, made from a small piece of orange pipe cleaner.
3. Big Bird Feathered Mask
Standing 8’2″ tall, Big Bird is the compassionate heart of the street. Create a mask using yellow cardstock and a plethora of yellow craft feathers.
- Learning Moment: As you craft, talk about Big Bird’s age—he’s forever 6 ½ years old, the perfect age for early elementary learners.
4. Abby Cadabby’s Fairy Wand
Abby is a fairy-in-training, and every fairy needs a wand. Use a wooden dowel, pink and purple yarn for the “pom-pom” top, and plenty of iridescent ribbon.
5. Bert and Ernie Handprints
Bert and Ernie are the ultimate “odd couple” best friends. Dip a child’s hand in yellow paint for Bert (long and thin) and orange paint for Ernie (round and wide). Once dry, add their felt hair and googly eyes.
6. The Count’s Numbered Bats
Count von Count loves to count everything. Cut out bat shapes from black construction paper and write numbers 1 through 10 on them in silver marker. It’s a craft and a math lesson in one!
7. Grover’s “Near and Far” Binoculars
Grover is famous for his “Near… Far!” sketches. Tape two toilet paper rolls together and paint them Grover-blue. Use them to play a game of “Near and Far” around the house.
8. Snuffleupagus Paper Bag Puppet
“Snuffy” is Big Bird’s best friend. Use a brown paper lunch bag, add long “eyelashes” made of black fringe, and a long trunk made of stuffed brown felt or construction paper.
9. Cookie Monster’s Letter “C” Collage
Since the show is “brought to you by the letter C,” make a giant letter C and have kids glue “cookies” (brown circles) all over it.
10. Rosita’s Colorful Guitar
Rosita is an optimistic 5-year-old who loves music. Use a cereal box and rubber bands to create a “guitar” that actually makes sound, decorating it in vibrant turquoise and pink.
11. Julia’s Sensory Art
Julia, the first Muppet with autism, loves art. Create a “sensory” painting using finger paints mixed with sand or glitter to explore different textures.
12. Zoe’s Tutu Ornaments
Zoe loves to dance! Create mini tutus using orange tulle tied around a jar lid or a cardboard ring to celebrate her energetic spirit.
13. Rubber Duckie Bath Toys
Since Ernie’s birthday is January 28th and National Rubber Ducky Day is January 13th, this is a must! Decorate plain yellow rubber ducks with waterproof markers to give them “characters.”
14. Telly Monster’s “Worry” Jar
Telly is an intense and earnest monster who worries a lot. Decorate a jar where kids can “drop” their worries on slips of paper, helping them manage emotions just like Telly.
15. The 123 Sesame Street Signpost
No Sesame Street collection is complete without the green and yellow signpost. Use a mailing tube and a piece of green foam board to recreate the most famous address in the world.
Why These Crafts Matter for Child Development
Crafting isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the process. Here is how these Sesame Street projects help your child grow:
| Developmental Area | How This Craft Helps |
| Fine Motor Skills | Cutting feathers for Big Bird or gluing pom-poms for Oscar builds hand strength. |
| Social-Emotional | Discussing the characters’ traits (like Elmo’s curiosity or Grover’s exuberance) builds empathy. |
| Cognitive Skills | Sorting “Cookie” shapes or counting with the Count reinforces early math. |
| Cultural Awareness | Celebrating a show with a diverse, multicultural cast promotes inclusion from a young age. |
Important Dates to Remember
Keep these dates on your fridge so you never miss a chance to celebrate:
- November 2: Cookie Monster’s Birthday
- November 10: Sesame Street Day (The Show’s Anniversary)
- January 13: National Rubber Ducky Day
- January 28: Ernie’s Birthday
- February 3: Elmo’s Birthday
- March 20: Big Bird’s Birthday
Conclusion
Sesame Street has spent over 55 years proving that “sunny days” are possible whenever we choose to learn and play together. By bringing these characters into your home through crafting, you are participating in a legacy of education that has shaped the world for the better.
Whether you are making a grouchy trash can or a magical fairy wand, the goal is the same: to foster a love of learning and a spirit of kindness.
