Hey You Guuuyyys!

The Electric Company makes a comeback! Today Sesame Workshop is starting production on a revamped version of the classic Electric Company show. While I don't remember too much about the original show, other than the famous "Hey You Guys" yell, I do know that it was intended to be as educational as it was silly. The new show will have these qualities as well, with the curriculum focusing heavily on improving literacy.

Specifically, the show will target kids ages 6-9 with the goal of reducing the literacy gap between low and middle income families. In looking at research indicating that children from low-income families are at a disadvantage when it comes to literacy, and that kids who are struggling with reading and do not get help by second grade are in danger of never catching up, Sesame Workshop has committed to provide programming aimed at helping kids in this age group learn reading skills and realize that "reading is cool."

Weekly episodes are scheduled to start in January 2009 on PBS KIDS, and will be supplemented by online content as well as community-based outreach activities taking place in 20 cities across the country.

(Photo © Sesame Workshop)