Child360’s #GoodNeighborWeek may be over, but the core values Mister Rogers championed—kindness, acceptance, helping others, gratitude and trust—deserve a place of honor in our daily lessons for and with our youngsters. Rogers’ enduring wisdom can be accessed in many ways: by watching episodes of his classic program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” by enjoying one of the numerous shows, games and apps produced by Fred Rogers Productions, or by reading one of the many Fred Rogers books written during his lifetime.
Making Friends
by Fred Rogers, (Puffin $6.99) Age 3-8
Because Mister Rogers was/is every child’s friend, he’s the perfect person to teach our children how much fun it is to make a new friend. The book cleverly functions as a conversation between the reader and Mister Rogers, where he gently guides them to understanding the emotions of others and what appropriate interpersonal behavior looks like.
Because it was first published in 1987, the photos can appear dated to our 21st-century eyes—but today’s children instantly recognize themselves in the situations depicted, which unlock the strong and often mixed emotions that accompany our youngsters’ first forays into the social world. The lessons contained here can be oft-referenced tools whenever a child encounters a difficult social situation in the years to come.
Extraordinary Friends
by Fred Rogers, (Puffin $6.99) Age 3-8
This title is one of several Rogers books in the “Let’s Talk About It” series, which tackles awkward or painful subjects with age-appropriate honesty. Here he deals with the questions and confusion children may have when seeing a person with special needs, reassuring readers that curiosity, fear and surprise are common and normal reactions.
Rogers encourages kindness and compassion throughout the book, stressing that getting to know individuals with special needs is the best way to understand and appreciate them—just as one would with any new person. Bright, colorful photographs depict children with special needs in various situations; because readers are repeatedly encouraged to talk to grown-ups about their feelings, this book is best shared out loud for the discussion that’s sure to follow.
Digital Reading Apps
Daniel Tiger’s Storybooks
for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (PBS Kids $2.99) Age 3+
Fred Rogers was ahead of his time, understanding that technology through television can be a powerful platform to positively impact the lives and early learning experiences of young children. Fast forward to current day, and the media company he formed continues this innovation through the reading app Daniel Tiger’s Storybooks, inspired by Mister Rogers’s beloved puppet Daniel Striped Tiger. The app is a library of interactive stories that show Daniel learning the life lessons we all relate to. In “Neighborhood Clean-Up,” for example, Daniel and his adorable critter friends learn about community responsibility and recycling: by tapping the screen, readers can unlock additional animation and talking tips. Toggle-off narration—available in English and Spanish—makes the story accessible to pre-readers while challenging older kids to read on their own.