Classic Clip Of Kermit And Little Girl Singing The ‘ABCs’ Proves The Enduring Reach Of ‘Sesame Street’

Apr 25, 2023 by apost team

One vintage "Sesame Street" clip featuring Kermit the Frog and a little girl named Joey attempting to recite the ABCs has become a timeless classic that continues to delight and educate children – as well as nostalgic adults – all over the world. 

In the clip, which first aired in the 1970s, Kermit started by asking Joey to recite the alphabet. As she began her ABCs, it quickly became clear that Joey was struggling to remember the letters. After the letter "F," she simply started to just make sounds. Kermit, however, exercised patience and was encouraging throughout, offering helpful hints and singing along with her.

What makes this clip so special is the way it captures the essence of early childhood education. Joey represents countless children who are just beginning to learn about letters, numbers and words. She is curious, eager to learn and sometimes frustrated by her own limitations. Kermit is the teacher, guiding her through the process and helping her to understand the material. Together, they create a safe and supportive learning environment that encourages Joey to keep trying, even when she makes mistakes – or throws in a cute "cookie monster" instead of an actual letter.

Kermit is always positive and encouraging with Joey, even when she makes mistakes. He never scolded or criticized her but instead offered gentle corrections and supportive words. This created a positive and safe learning environment that helped Joey – as well as viewers – feel confident and empowered.

It's clear clip had an impact on those who were young enough to watch it in real-time after it was reposted on the r/videos forum on Reddit in 2013. Users took to the comments to share how the clip led them on a trip down memory lane.

Nostalgic viewers were tickled by the "Sesame Street" clip, with many sharing on Reddit that they were actually old enough to have watched it when they were kids. Others noted how endearing the end of the video was. In mock frustration, Kermit pretended to walk away, but Joey simply reacted with "I love you." Kermit returned the favor and received a kiss on the forehead for all his troubles.

"My absolute favorite Sesame Street video of all time. The kids never even see the adult just underneath them. These characters become so real to them when they start talking. … I love Jim's reaction to it all through Kermit though. Miss his warmth the most," an emotional user wrote. 

Another user commented:

"I just loved that it's obvious there is a man with his hand up this puppet's butt in CLEAR view from the littler girl's perspective, but she has only eyes for Kermit. Like 'OH Kermit is here! And there's his friend who is holding him up so I can talk to him!' Dem nostalgia feels."

A fourth user wrote, "This clip is one of my fondest childhood memories. Probably around age 4 it was the first time I can remember truly laughing until I could not breathe. Seems a little silly, but the uncontrolable (sic) laughter became absolutely addicting from that point on. Laughing without caring. Was as if this flipped a switch in my brain. Rewatching it, I totally forgot about the part at the end. Aaaaaand mantears."

The clip continues to inspire generations of children, reminding them that learning is a journey that requires effort but that can also be fun and rewarding. And for the older set, it's a reminder of a far more innocent time when life felt far more carefree.

apost.com

Do you remember this iconic clip from "Sesame Street"? What memories does it bring back for you? Let us know, and don't forget to pass this on to friends and family as well.