| Category | Information Detail |
| Series Title | Sesame Street |
| Season | 48 |
| Episode Number | 4812 |
| Episode Title | Hair Training |
| HBO Premiere Date | February 3, 2018 |
| PBS Premiere Date | January 14, 2019 |
| Primary Curriculum | Self-Esteem and Body Positivity |
| Secondary Curriculum | Celebrating Diversity and Differences |
| Human Cast Member | Nina (Suki Lopez) |
| Main Muppet Characters | Elmo, Prairie Dawn, Gabrielle, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Gonger |
| Guest/Supporting Muppets | Marty, Count von Count, Rosita |
| Muppet Performer (Prairie Dawn) | Stephanie D'Abruzzo |
| Muppet Performer (Gabrielle) | Megan Piphus Peace / Frankie Cordero (depending on specific puppetry block) |
| Letter of the Day | H |
| Letter H Theme | Hair |
| Letter H Live-Action Cast | Helena, Harjit, Hayley, Henry, Hannah |
| Number of the Day | 7 |
| Number 7 Animation | A barber cutting the hair of 7 customers |
| Foodie Truck Recipe | Angel hair pasta with vegetables |
| Foodie Truck Destination | An industrial pasta factory |
| Elmo's World Topic | Hair |
| Classic Song Reprise | "I Love My Hair" (Alternate track/effects) |
| Original Closing Song | "Hair, Feathers and Fur" (60s-style ensemble number) |
| Production Studio | Kaufman Astoria Studios, New York |
| Production Company | Sesame Workshop |
| Executive Producer | Brown Johnson |
| Senior Producer | Benjamin Lehmann |
Facts
Segi Anthem Remastering
The song I Love My Hair underwent significant post-production alteration. Editors added an alternate music track. They added new video effects to meet modern broadcast standards, which kept the visual pace in line with current television requirements.
How Elmo's Mop-Top Wig Was Made
The art department made Elmo's mop-top wig using soft fleece. Puppeteer David Rudman had to get the prop in Cookie Monster's neck without causing any harm. The soft materials kept the internal skeletal mechanisms from getting damaged.
Prairie Dawn Vocal Transition
For this broadcast, Stephanie D'Abruzzo performed Prairie Dawn. She took over after Fran Brill retired. D'Abruzzo was super meticulous in recreating that distinctive upper-register voice.
Inclusive Live-Action Casting
The documentary film Insert Cast featured a child named Hannah. Hannah was recovering from a health issue that caused hair loss. Producers included this footage to provide media representation for pediatric oncology patients because mainstream preschool programming rarely acknowledges this demographic.
Gabrielle Puppet Engineering
The folks at Puppet Engineering designed Gabrielle with custom-textured fleece. They used special synthetic hair to represent natural Black hair textures. The builders tested out a bunch of different fabrics to make sure her hair would stay in place on camera.
Industrial Pasta Plant Rigging
A secondary camera unit checked out an operational pasta factory. The crew filmed the extrusion of angel hair pasta. They used sterilized enclosures and special boom rigs to get extreme close-ups without messing up the production line.
Rolly-Board Choreography
The final musical number called for some synchronized Muppet dance moves. Puppeteers sat on low-wheeled mechanic stools. These devices let the performers slide across the studio floor in perfect unison right under the camera.
Educational Context for Parents
Primary Lesson
Kids need to learn to embrace their unique physical characteristics. They need to be able to appreciate the physical differences of their peers. It's important to recognize that everyone is different, because that helps us feel good about ourselves.
Pedagogical Goal
The idea is to encourage positive self-identity. Educators are working to break down early biases about physical appearance. Kids learn to see things differently. They see physical differences as special features that add to the diversity of the community.
Parental Note
The episode talks about a certain developmental milestone. At some point, kids start noticing physical differences. Prairie Dawn and Gabrielle try to dance together. They know their hair moves in a unique way. They see this physical difference as an issue that needs to be dealt with.
Nina's on board with their differences. She encourages them to incorporate both unique hair movements into the routine. Kids learn that being a good follower isn't necessary to be successful. It's important to acknowledge differences without excluding anyone. Instead, it should expand the group's boundaries to welcome everyone.
Families can use this narrative to have conversations about physical diversity. Kids are always watching their surroundings, and they'll often point out when someone looks different from them. Parents should respond with positive validation. You can praise curly hair as much as you can straight hair.
Hey, why not get your kiddo involved in a fun self-portrait art activity? Just make sure to provide a mirror and a variety of art supplies. Have your child take a close look at their own features. They can draw their physical likeness on paper. Make sure to give them a pat on the back for the specific features they've come up with.
This affirming activity builds essential vocabulary for self-love. The live-action segment includes Hannah. This is a great way to teach people to be more empathetic. Can you tell me about medical conditions that cause hair loss? Open discussions help your child develop emotional intelligence.
