Watch and Play: Elmo’s Awesome Bike
Watch this episode and explore ways to extend the learning at home.
In the Sesame Street episode Elmo’s Awesome Bike (available now on Netflix and PBSKIDS), Elmo gets his very own bike! His awesome bike has streamers, a bell, and a license plate. Abby thinks Elmo’s bike is so cool and shows him her new fairy bike. It has sparkly streams, a dragon bell, and wings because her bike can fly! Elmo feels jealous because his bike can’t do that. He wants his bike to fly just like Abby’s. With Tamir’s help Elmo remembers what he does have and realizes he loves his bike just the way it is. He even saves the Cookie Cart with his awesome bike!
Preschoolers often struggle with understanding their big feelings, and jealousy is a particularly complex emotion for kids to grasp. Developing the ability to identify what they are feeling and calm themselves down takes time.
Some children may confuse the feeling of jealousy with anger or sadness. Help your preschooler notice what sensations they feel in their body and what it might be telling them about how they feel. Encourage your preschooler to speak truthfully about what they are feeling and respond to them without judgment. After validating what children are feeling, you can use moments of jealousy to help kids notice what they do feel grateful for—just like Tamir did with Elmo.
Check out the resources below to help your little one understand and cope with big feelings like jealousy.
Watch and Play Together Activities
Gratitude Jar
Highlight the power of gratitude! In tough times, help children pause, notice, and savor the feelings that the good things in our lives bring.
A Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
A fun and easy game that reminds kids (and grown-ups!) that there are lots of things to be thankful for.
Gratitude
Abby’s mom helps her use her senses to remember the things she’s thankful for.
Find this episode on Netflix, PBS Kids or Nationwide Public Television (Check local listings).
How Am I Feeling? Poster
Use pictures and simple words to help children notice and name feelings.
Body Break
A quick, playful body break helps children reset by moving, stretching, and breathing to feel calmer, more focused, and ready for what’s next.
Rosita’s Family Quilt
By adding the shirt to their family quilt, Rosita learns how memories, change, and love can turn something broken into something beautiful.
A Full Cup: Restorative Resources for Providers and the Families They Respond to
Here are strategies for providers to support emotional well-being and self-care.
Bert and Ernie Compromise
Bert and Ernie explore how to compromise.
Kindness Comes in Many Forms
Big Bird and Felix discuss Big Bird’s gift for Oscar.
Social Connection Volunteer Guide
Guide with activity suggestions that boost social connection.