Big Storms, Big Feelings - Helping young children cope with extreme weather
Across the world, children are already living with extreme weather.
They are seeing storms on the news, hearing adults worry about fires and floods, missing school because of heat, and experiencing disruption in their homes and communities.
What do we say to a four-year-old when the sky turns orange from wildfire smoke? How can parents engage children in preparing for a hurricane without creating more fear? And what role can storytelling and trusted characters play in helping children feel safe, capable, and connected to their communities?
This session – hosted by Futerra and TED Countdown – will explore new global Sesame Workshop research about how young children and their families experience extreme weather.
It will bring the findings to life through a joyful encounter that is unmistakably Sesame: a moderated conversation between Sesame Workshop research expert Dr. Kim Foulds, with a special appearance from Elmo. After Dr. Foulds shares insights from Sesame Workshop’s latest research, the conversation opens into a discussion between researchers, educators, storytellers, and children’s media experts on what adults can do next to help children understand and cope with extreme weather.
Speakers:
Solitaire Townsend, Chief Solutionist, Futerra (moderator)
Elmo, The Muppet
Dr Kim Foulds, Vice President, Research & Insights, Sesame Workshop
Dr Katherine Hayhoe, Chief Scientist, The Nature Conservancy
J.J. Johnson, Partner, Sinking Ship Entertainment
Darla Silva, Chief Program Officer, UNICEF USA
Xiye Bastida, Planetary Guardian