Grover's Counting Lesson
skit with Grover (Frank Oz) and Herbert Birdsfoot (Jerry Nelson)
[Herbert Birdsfoot is standing next to three blocks lined up in a row.]
Herbert: Hi! Herbert Birdsfoot here, and now it’s time for Grover’s counting lesson.
Grover [running up]: Hey, Herbie baby! Am I late?
Herbert: No, no, you’re right on time.
Grover: Oh, good.
Herbert: Now, over here I have some blocks.
Grover: Oh, they’re pretty blocks!
Herbert: Now, I want you to count the blocks and tell me how many there are.
Grover: One, two, three. Three blocks, Herbie!
Herbert: Very good, Grover. Now, I’m going to move the blocks, like this ...
[Picks one of them up.]
Grover: What’s he doing?
[Herbert is stacking the blocks on top of one another.]
Oh, he’s making a little building! Oh, that’s cute, Herbie! That’s a nice little building!
Herbert: There! Now, can you tell me how many blocks there are now? Be careful, though.
Grover: One, two, three. Herbie, three blocks!
Herbert: Very good, Grover. Now, I’m going to move the blocks once more, like this ...
[Removes top block.]
Grover: Oh, but that was such a pretty little building! And ...
[Herbert makes a pyramid.]
Oh, that’s nice, too!
Herbert: There! Now, can you tell me how many blocks there are now? Be careful, now.
Grover [after a pause]: Three blocks.
Herbert: Are you sure? They look different.
Grover: I know, Herbie, I know, but they are the same number! See?
[Points to each block as he counts.]
One, two, three. Three blocks, Herbie!
Herbert: Very good, Grover! You’re doing very well today.
Grover [beaming]: Oh, I know!
Herbert [leading Grover away from the blocks]: Now, over here ...
Grover: Oh, over there. Bye, blocks!
Herbert [brings Grover to a spot where there are three oranges]: ... I have some oranges.
Now, I want you to count the oranges and tell me how many there are.
Grover [uncertainly]: Um ...
Herbert: Just count the oranges and tell me how many there are.
Grover: Herbie, I can’t.
Herbert: Well, why not?
Grover: Well, you see, I know how to count blocks ...
Herbert [puzzled]: Yes?
Grover [despairingly]: ... but I do not know how to count oranges! Oh!
[Puts his hand to his head and leans on a very confused Herbert.]
Transcribed by Silvery Shoe