Resources for Caring Adults

Highlighted Resources
Empathy
Creativity
Talking with Children About Politics
When a Pet Your Child Loves Dies
Supporting Grandfamilies
Meeting Children Where They Are
Fundamentals of Learning and Growing 
Conversation Starter Deck

Fred Rogers was a practical scholar of child development, and his careful consideration of the needs and experiences of children is preserved in the 22,000 items in the Fred Rogers Archive at Saint Vincent College. The resources of the Fred Rogers Institute are grounded in the Fred Rogers Archive  and rigorous research with educators and other children’s helpers. Search our topics - there is something for everyone!

Fundamentals of Learning and Growing

Fundamentals of Learning and Growing

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.

Frankie the Otter: An Interactive Educator Resource

Frankie the Otter: An Interactive Educator Resource

nformed by the teachings and philosophies of Fred Rogers, this teacher's resource draws connections between the work of Fred Rogers and the world of an otter named Frankie. In addition, each section includes thematic concepts, curriculum connections, and activities ideas.

Play as Truth

Play as Truth

"Play is a child's most important means of communication. Children are not self-conscious about playing. They play out what they think is real. That's the ultimate honesty. Children bring their whole inner drama to any relationship." - Fred Rogers

EN Newsletter February 2023

EN Newsletter February 2023

This year's Mid-Year Convening on January 21 included ten educator-led breakout sessions on topics such as trauma aware care, QRIS peer learning communities, and building community in early childhood and secondary classrooms.

Small is Enough

Small is Enough

The factory visits of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood—when Mr. McFeely visits Mister Rogers with video tapes of "how people make things"—are rich with opportunities for wonder, connection, and delight.

Save for a Rainy Day

Save for a Rainy Day

September 2022: I don't know what this summer has been like in your neighborhood, but it's been raining a lot around here. I even caught myself singing, "Rain, rain go away.

A Memorable Marsalis Musical Gift

A Memorable Marsalis Musical Gift

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.

Paper Chains -- Link to Lots of Learning

Paper Chains -- Link to Lots of Learning

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.

Don't Forget the Fun

Don't Forget the Fun

September 2021: In the midst of all we've been going through in this pandemic time, I've thought about something that Helen Ross, a noted children and family mental health specialist, told Fred...

MUSIC - It's More than Meets the Ear

MUSIC - It's More than Meets the Ear

September 2023: A gazillion times! Is that how many times you've sung Itsy, Bitsy Spider and Wheels on the Bus? I know it's not easy to keep finding the energy and enthusiasm to sing the same songs over and over again, but I hope you know how much you're giving children when you do.

View, Talk, Listen, and Grow

View, Talk, Listen, and Grow

The question of, "How might young children today respond to episodes of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood?" was an early wondering explored through observation of children and teachers watching episodes in classrooms.

Letters of Love and Learning: A conversation through the years

Letters of Love and Learning: A conversation through the years

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'...

Hope from the Helpers of the Educators' Neighborhood

Hope from the Helpers of the Educators' Neighborhood

Our educators of the neighborhood were in full swing in their classrooms in March, ready with next episodes of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood to play, and creative ideas to try out with their students. Then, schools closed. Now, they remain closed. In challenging times, Fred Rogers is often quoted saying something he lear

Fred Rogers Institute Newsletter: March 2024

Fred Rogers Institute Newsletter: March 2024

The Fred Rogers Institute is bustling with activity. This coming month is jam-packed with in-person and virtual events that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups, honoring the legacy of Fred Rogers. From educational webinars and community outreach initiatives to celebratory events like ...

Reflections on Fred Rogers' Healing Power of Presence

Reflections on Fred Rogers' Healing Power of Presence

Lately, I've been wondering what it was about the presence of Fred Rogers that helped to foster mutuality and connection. Throughout my time as a public educator, children and family pastor, and resident hospital chaplain, I have looked to Fred as an exemplar in how to engage and be with those I am seeking to serve...

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