Sesame Street Learning to Share – 1996 VHS & DVD Insights

Teaching children to share is a critical life skill, and few shows do it as well as Sesame Street. The 1996 special “Learning to Share” focuses on helping children understand generosity, empathy, and cooperation.

From VHS tapes to DVDs and YouTube videos, this episode continues to provide engaging, educational content for preschoolers. In this article, we’ll cover all aspects of Sesame Street Learning to Share, including episode details, characters, educational value, and viewing options.

What is Sesame Street Learning to Share?

“Learning to Share” is a 1996 Sesame Street special that teaches children why sharing is essential.

Key highlights include:

Focus on Social Skills: Turns, patience, and conflict resolution
Characters: Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, and Cookie Monster
Format: Original VHS release, later DVD release, and digital clips on YouTube

This episode is recognized as a classic educational tool for young audiences.

Characters in Learning to Share

The show uses familiar Muppets and human cast members to make lessons relatable:

Elmo: Guides children through sharing situations
Big Bird: Models patience and fairness
Cookie Monster: Shows the challenges of self-control
Abby Cadabby: Encourages creative, cooperative play

These characters make the lesson of sharing fun and memorable for preschoolers.

Learning to Share 1996 VHS

The original VHS release made the episode widely accessible in the 1990s:

Educational Benefits: Parents could pause, rewind, and discuss scenarios
Collectible Format: VHS became a nostalgic item for many
Availability: Distributed across North America and often used in preschools

Learning to Share DVD

The DVD version updated the 1996 special for modern audiences:

Enhanced Quality: Crisp visuals and improved sound
Interactive Features: Games and bonus segments teaching sharing
Ease of Access: Available for home viewing without VHS players

The DVD ensures the episode remains a valuable resource for teaching social-emotional skills.

Social-Emotional Learning in the Episode

The episode focuses on core social-emotional skills, including:

Empathy: Recognizing friends’ feelings
Sharing: Learning to take turns and give willingly
Problem-Solving: Resolving conflicts over toys
Generosity: Understanding the joy of giving

These lessons are essential for preschool development and classroom readiness.

Behind the Scenes of Production

Sesame Street combines entertainment with research-based learning:

Expert Guidance: Child psychologists and educators
Testing: Segments tested for engagement and comprehension
Goal: Create a show that teaches practical life lessons while keeping children entertained

Impact on Children

Parents and educators note that the episode helps children:

Practice sharing in real-life situations
Reduce conflicts in group settings
Reinforce positive social behavior through repetition

It remains a valuable resource for preschoolers and educators alike.

Sesame Street Learning to Share Wiki and Resources

For fans and parents seeking more information:

Sesame Street Wiki: Detailed episode summaries and character guides
Fan Forums: Discussions on lessons and memorable moments
Archives: Preserve the educational significance of the episode

Educational Toys and Kits Inspired by the Episode

“Learning to Share” inspired play-based learning tools:

Plush Toys: Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster for interactive learning
Activity Kits: Encourage turn-taking and cooperative play
Accessibility: Available for different age ranges through Blokees collections

Tips for Parents

Parents can enhance the learning experience by:

Discussing what sharing means in daily life
Using toys to practice sharing and turns
Praising children when they share willingly
Re-watching episodes to reinforce key lessons

These strategies make learning interactive and effective.

Fun Activities Inspired by “Learning to Share”

Extend the episode’s lessons into hands-on experiences:

Toy Rotation Game: Children take turns playing with toys to practice patience.
Sharing Circle: Sit in a circle and pass items around while discussing feelings.
Role-Playing: Kids act out scenarios from the episode with puppets or stuffed animals.
These activities reinforce lessons in a playful and memorable way.

Classroom Applications

Teachers can integrate the episode into daily routines:

Morning Meetings: Watch a short clip and discuss sharing strategies.
Group Projects: Encourage teamwork and turn-taking using blocks or art supplies.
Reward Systems: Praise cooperative behavior and link it back to the episode’s lessons.
This approach helps embed social-emotional learning in educational settings.

How Parents Can Discuss Sharing at Home

Parents can build on the episode by:

Talking about real-life situations where sharing is important.
Using snack time to encourage voluntary sharing.
Modeling sharing behavior themselves, demonstrating empathy and fairness.
Combining media with practical experience makes lessons more concrete for children.

Collectible and Nostalgic Appeal

For fans and collectors, Learning to Share has added value:

VHS Nostalgia: Original tapes are collectible items for long-time Sesame Street fans.
DVD Editions: Include enhanced visuals, bonus segments, and interactive features.
Merchandise Tie-Ins: Plush toys and activity kits based on the episode bring lessons to life.
Collectors can enjoy both the educational content and the historical significance.