sesame street characters templates

Sesame Street Character Templates: Free Downloads for Learning & Fun

By Daniel WalkerMarch 16, 2026

Welcome to the enchanting world of Sesame Street, home to an array of beloved characters that have captivated generations of children and adults alike. These iconic puppets, brought to life by the innovative minds at Sesame Workshop, serve as templates for learning, growth, and fun. Let's delve into the fascinating world of Sesame Street characters, their templates, and the inspiring impact they've had on society.

Sesame Street was launched in 1969, aiming to help children grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. It's astonishing how, over five decades, the show's producers have skillfully evolved the characters and their templates to keep up with changing times and educational needs. The resulting ensemble of characters is as diverse and engaging as any real-life neighborhood, embodying various cultures, ages, and abilities.

Iconic Sesame Street Characters

At the heart of Sesame Street's success lies its memorable characters. Each character is a template for learning specific values, emotions, or academic concepts. Let's explore some of the most renowned characters and their templates.

sesame street face templates printable for kids to use on their own wallpaper

Elmo

Elmo, the furry, lovable red monster, is one of the most recognized Sesame Street characters. Introduced in 1972, Elmo's template was originally that of a mischievous imp with a high-pitched voice. Over time, however, Elmo evolved into a kind, curious, and learning-centered Muppet. Today, Elmo serves as a template for young children, teaching them about numbers, letters, and social skills.

Fun fact: Elmo's voice was originally performed by Puppeteer Kevin Clash, who recently stepped away from the character in 2012. Since then, Sesame Street's Puppet Place Workshop has honored Clash's legacy by training new performers to keep Elmo's spirit alive.

four sesame characters with different facial expressions

an image of a cartoon bird standing on one leg and looking at the camera while wearing boots

the sesame character is holding up blocks that spell out letters to spell out his name

Big Bird

Big Bird, the beloved, towering yellow Muppet, joined Sesame Street in its inaugural season. Initially designed to teach children about dyslexia and failure, Big Bird quickly morphed into an embodiment of kindness, friendship, and resilience. His template now represents the triumph of overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes.

Did you know? Big Bird's feathers are so massive that they require four puppeteers - two to operate the head and two to control the arms.

Evolving Characters and Templates

While Sesame Street's renowned characters remain constants, their templates continually evolve to address new educational needs and societal changes. For instance, the character of Julia, who joined the cast in 2017, was created as a template for children with autism.

sesame street characters are shown in different colors and sizes, with the words sesame street above them

the sesame face coloring page for kids to print out and color with their own hands

sesame street characters are shown in this image

an image of the sesame character from sesame's movie, with different facial expressions

the sesame street characters are lined up in front of a number 1 - 3 sign

The Count

A Sesame Street classic, The Count is the loveable, number-obsessed Muppet. Initially introduced as an eccentric character, his template evolved to represent mathematical lessons. Today, The Count is a renowned resource for teaching counting, sequences, and operations.

Grover

Grover, the friendly, furry monster, has appeared in numerous forms since his debut in 1967. From the self-absorbed "Super Grover" to the loving, helpful "Anytime Grover," this character's template continually shifts to reflect changing aspects of childhood development and social skills.

Sesame Street's characters and their templates have proven incredibly influential. They've not only enriched children's lives but also shaped societal perceptions about diversity, acceptance, and learning. As Sesame Street continues to evolve, its characters remain templates for inspiration, fostering a world where children can grow and thrive.

an assortment of sesame street characters on different colored circles with the words sesame street in them

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or simply a Sesame Street enthusiast, there's no denying the magic of these beloved characters. Their enduring impact serves as a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and the importance of providing relatable, engaging templates for learning and growth. So, embrace the joy of Sesame Street characters, and let them continue to shape our collective understanding of the world.