Resources

Good is a little word that means many things. It can signal graciousness, generosity, virtue, or it can mark concise word choice when grand, fabulous, brilliant is too much. In its simplicity, it upholds its enoughness.

Fred Rogers loved questions. And he loved inviting YOU to ask questions about anything and everything.

Music has been an important part of my life ever since I was a child. From early on, I have fond memories of hearing the songs of Mister Rogers, my mother singing me to sleep, going to church and singing the songs in the hymnal, participating in the choir, or taking part to sing or play instruments in music class ...

"I like you as you are" is one of the most salient messages educators name in discussions about how Fred Rogers' work resonates with their practice. It's a message their students need to hear. It's a message their students' families need to hear. And it's a message that educators themselves need to hear.

A guide for educators, caregivers, and other helpers in a child's life as you establish relationships with families. From the Fred Rogers Institute and the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning.

October 2023: I recently talked with a teacher who was excited about a new learning center that she set up for the children. She called it the "Creation Station," and stocked it with recyclable "stuff" donated by families - boxes, egg cartons, packing material, plastic containers, and paper towel tubes.

During times of tragedy and difficulty in the news, it can be difficult to know whether and how to talk to children about what is happening in their world. In this resource we offer ideas and support for guiding children through news about difficult current events.

"A child was having a hard day, slumped in the corner of a classroom, shirt pulled over his head. He poked out of his shirt to yell to the teacher across the room who was engaged with the other children in the class: Hey, can we play that love song again?"

August 2021: It's the beginning of a new school year, and I remember a teacher telling me that while she's excited to work with a new group of children, this has always been a challenging time for her. Now and then she sometimes starts to feel sad or a little impatient.

In December 2018, I wrote a piece entitled "Beechwood Kindergarteners Learn With Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Now five months later, this same group of children continues to watch a new episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood each week, selected by their teachers.

I recently read a description of strong relationships as those built on a foundation where each person potentiates the other. I love thinking of potential in this practice-based way.

August 2022: With all the attention on high tech these days, I was happily surprised by a low-tech moment I had when I was doing an observation in a preschool.

Positive learning outcomes are related to healthy social-emotional skills, and both are strengthened through quality interactions with adults. As a Youth Services Librarian, I am interested in this connection, and how I can support children's learning through programming like storytime.

In 2017, we began a pen pal project with our Kindergarten classes, both in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, but in different parts of the city. What began as a project for our students grew into a friendship and ongoing professional relationship, including our learning about Mister Rogers' Neighborhood with Educators'...

What are educators thinking about when it comes to technology in the classroom? With the support of the Grable Foundation, the Fred Rogers Institute spent two years learning from educators about what technology means to them.