'Sesame Street' will focus on literacy

WASHINGTON, June 18 (UPI) -- The popular children's show "Sesame Street" will focus on literacy in its 38th season on Washington-based PBS KIDS.

The National Center for Education Studies revealed that literacy still remains a critical need in today's education system, prompting the show's maker to do its part in correcting the problem, said a release from PBS.

The new season, featuring famous characters including Elmo, Big Bird and the show's newest addition Abby Cadabby, will premier Aug. 13 on PBS KIDS and features a curriculum focusing more on early literacy and language skills.

Rhyming, vocabulary and letter sounds known to be useful for later reading skills will be focused on throughout all 26 episodes of the new season.

"Developing a rich vocabulary and a love of words at a young age helps children become better prepared for school and more successful readers," said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, vice president for education and research for Sesame Workshop.

"During this season of Sesame Street, our mission is to provide children with basic tools to help them develop their early literacy and language skills. We know that learning is enhanced when an adult watches Sesame Street with a child because the lessons on the show can then be extended into the child's daily routine, which fosters a love of learning."