Resources for Caring Adults

As Educators' Neighborhood moves into its fifth year of educators learning together inspired by the life and work of Fred Rogers, I've been reflecting on the core of this work, it's essential through-line, the heart of it.

May 2022: Welcome to springtime - the "growing season!" Many teachers are using this time of year to offer a science lesson about "growing" by planting seeds. It's a great way to help children see first-hand what a seed needs in order to grow into a plant - soil, water, light.

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

This article exhibits the power of being present and interconnectedness. Explore how vulnerability fosters connection and how healing is interconnected.

January 2022: Here we are at the beginning of the year when we're "looking ahead," wondering what this new year will bring. It seems kind of ironic, but "looking back" can help us with our journey ahead. There's even a name for that in early childhood — reflective teaching.

This newsletter includes an article on "The Power of Listening" by Hedda Sharapan. Explore how to find a quiet place, listen nonverbally, ask questions, and wait through silence.

November 2022: With all the emphasis on food at Thanksgiving, I thought you'd appreciate seeing the video below when Fred talked about nourishment. He began with a focus on food, but then he went on to talk about other kinds of nourishment that we all need.

"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

June 2022: It was 1968 when Fred introduced us to his song, "What Do You Do with the Mad that You Feel." That was over fifty years ago, and the messages of that song are as needed today as ever. Fred knew how important it is to help children learn to deal with their angry feelings. But in his song he wasn't ...

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.

March 2023: March 20th would be Fred Rogers' 95th birthday, and I wanted to celebrate by sharing with you the tribute video that PBS produced shortly after his death in 2003.

Reflecting authenticity in the classroom is important as it inspires students to be true to themselves. In this resource, Alex Peck describes the influence that Fred Rogers has had on his self expression while teaching in the classroom. Keywords: educator

December 2021: With all the holidays this month, we talk about this season as a time of peace, joy, light, and hope. But it's also a time when it's easy to feel stressed, over-burdened and under-appreciated, so I am offering you a treasured video from one of our early professional development workshops.

A librarian-curated booklist for children facing a the death of a loved one.

Compassion fatigue is the toll of sharing in the emotions and concerns of the people that you care for. Compassion fatigue is more than burnout or weariness.

Fred Rogers explored how children experienced emotions and this newsletter looks at how he interpreted what it is like for a child to have to wait. Discover ways of letting children know their feelings are natural and helping to find ways to manage strong emotions. Keywords: patience

Positive learning outcomes are related to healthy social-emotional skills, and both are strengthened through quality interactions with adults. Discover various ways to inspire interactions, encourage engagement, and spark conversations.

A guide from the Fred Rogers Institute for supporting children through hard moments in life.

"As schools search for ways to educate children this school year, my heart reminds me to slow down to notice for what's already here. We have a beautiful example of how to inspire joyful, curious learning through a screen. That example is Mister Rogers' Neighborhood."

Read our 2022 Annual Report to learn about the ways we invested in the strengths of caring adults and advanced Fred's legacy this year!