March 20th would be Fred Rogers’ 95thbirthday, and I wanted to celebrate by sharing with you the tribute video that PBS produced shortly after his death in 2003.
As I listened to the words “Feels Like Home to Me” on the song they chose, I thought about how much we all have learned from Fred about the simple, everyday, ordinary things that make a place “feel like home” -- warm and welcoming, safe and secure.
Fred greeted us every day on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in a place that looked like a home. In fact, Fred referred to it as his “television house.” But it wasn’t just the rooms and the furniture that made it feel like home. It was a place where there was a predictable routine; where someone cared about you “just because you’re you”; where it was okay to be sad or mad or scared and someone helped you deal with those feelings in a constructive way; and where you were celebrated for the little and big things that you do. And there was something in Fred's eyes….and something in his voice.
Encouraging Curiosity
February 2023: Much as I don't like the cold February weather here in Pittsburgh, one evening I found myself looking at a wintry scene with new eyes, thanks to Fred Rogers. As I was walking to my car in the parking lot, I noticed that the snow was especially beautiful. It was sparkling like diamonds.
January 2023: A while ago, I was observing a group of preschoolers, and I was amazed at how long they stayed at a task. What was so engaging? They were making something rather ordinary and kind of "old-fashioned" -- paper chains.
December 2022: In all the years that I worked with Fred, one of the things I came to appreciate is that he encouraged us to be "mindful" - and that was long before it was a part of our vocabulary.
Your financial support of the Institute helps us expand our initiatives and resources so that educators and children's helpers can continue to learn and grow from Fred Rogers' legacy. Thank you!