There is so much we think about when we help children learn and grow. We wonder what activities to plan, what experiences are important, what materials and toys are necessary, how to create a supportive environment…all while meeting basic needs and balancing opinions and outside influences.
Fred Rogers reminded us that what people need is simple and deep. In Mister Rogers Talks with Parents, Fred Rogers and Barry Head introduced what they considered to be “six basic necessities of learning” - the fundamentals a person needs to be able to learn and grow.
Gina Beneccio: As a Fred Rogers Scholar, I have had the opportunity to research and learn about the many topics Fred found important. During my time as an undergraduate education student at Saint Vincent College, I was always interested in the work Fred accomplished in disability awareness and inclusion.
When I was a young child I often played "teacher." I loved to line up my stuffed animals and dolls and read to them the way my teacher read to my class. I loved the idea of grading papers with a red pen and singing songs at circle time. Author: Jenny Baumgartner
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!