🌈 Organizations & Resources

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Sesame Street in Communities – Grief Resources

One of the best free collections available for families and educators.

Includes:

• Age-appropriate videos

• Printable activities

• Storybooks

• Tips for talking with children about death

• Resources for caregivers and teachers

• Guidance on helping children express emotions through play and conversation. 

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Sesame Street in Communities – Community Violence & Difficult Times

Excellent resources for children affected by:

• Community violence

• School violence

• Natural disasters

• Traumatic events

• Emergency situations

Includes videos featuring Elmo and friends that help children name feelings, ask questions, and feel safe again. 

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Fred Rogers Productions – Parent Resources

Wonderful guidance for helping children:

• Understand difficult feelings

• Feel emotionally safe

• Talk about scary events

• Build resilience

• Maintain routines after tragedy

Fred Rogers' timeless advice remains one of the most compassionate resources available for parents.

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🎥 Recommended Videos

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Mister Rogers — "Look for the Helpers"

This famous clip and message has comforted families for generations.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

A beautiful conversation starter after frightening events. 

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Friends & Neighbors: Stories of Hope & Healing (PBS)

A moving PBS special inspired by Fred Rogers' philosophy that explores trauma, healing, and the importance of compassionate helpers in our communities. It is excellent for parents, caregivers, educators, and helping professionals. 

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Sesame Street – Coping with Big Feelings

Elmo and Jesse help young children understand:

• Sadness

• Anger

• Grief

• Talking about feelings

• Asking trusted adults for help. 

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Sesame Street – Helping Kids Grieve Training Video

A wonderful resource for parents, teachers, clergy, counselors, and childcare providers explaining how children experience grief differently from adults and how play can be an important part of healing. 

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Sesame Street — Farewell, Mr. Hooper

One of the most celebrated children's television episodes ever produced.

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When actor Will Lee, who played Mr. Hooper, died, Sesame Street chose to address his death honestly and gently rather than replace the character. The episode helps children understand that death is permanent while reassuring them that love and memories remain. It continues to be recommended by child development experts. 

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📚 Recommended Books:

• When Dinosaurs Die — Laurie Krasny Brown & Marc Brown

• The Invisible String — Patrice Karst

• Lifetimes — Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen

• Ida, Always — Caron Levis

• The Memory Box — Joanna Rowland

• Something Very Sad Happened — Bonnie Zucker

• The Rabbit Listened — Cori Doerrfeld