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.
As they worked on this project, I could see why they were so involved. They wanted to make a chain that would go all the way across the floor. Anything so big has real power to it…and real fascination for young children. There’s even more power to it when you think about how much the children might be learning -- about math, language arts, motor skills, and social-emotional skills.
Fred knew the power of everyday crafts. All through the Neighborhood series he used simple materials like construction paper, scissors and tape to encourage children to create things that were fun and meaningful.
Serving Grandfamilies
Grandfamilies are a unique family structure in which grandparents assume the role of primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Dynamics of these intergenerational families can be challenging to navigate, both as a member of the family and as a helper to the family.
Meeting children where they are means meeting them with kindness and without judgment. A willingness and an effort to understand where someone is emotionally in a particular moment can be very impactful, especially as things change over time.
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!