Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is a classic children's show that is still delighting little ones more than thirty years after its debut.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood has been entertaining children since 1968. I watched this show as a child and introduced my own children to the "Neighborhood" because I feel it is a great example of high quality children's programming. Mister Rogers has a way of making each child feel special and sings songs that are enjoyable as well as educational. Tunes like It's You I Like and I'm Proud of You let children know it's okay to be themselves. The program has always featured people from different backgrounds as well as people with disabilities which sends the message that everyone is special in their own way.
Mr. Rogers uses music each day to help children learn to express their feelings in a healthy manner. This is especially important for boys who have traditionally been taught to keep their feelings inside. I believe it is important for my son to feel comfortable expressing his feelings, and I use songs like "What Do You Do" as teaching tools when my little one gets frustrated or angry. Songs that talk about feelings not only diffuse an intense situation but also help children learn how to name the emotions they are experiencing.
I also appreciate the natural flow of the show since many of today's programs for children are fast-paced with frequent scene changes. I believe that some shows designed for young children today are too "busy" and hurried. The format of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood has stood the test of time, with very little changing in more than three decades on the air. In my opinion, the way he interacts with his television audience and the predictable sequence of events is a positive aspect of the show, especially in a modern world of television shows that change dramatically from one minute to the next.
One may wonder why I have written about Mr. Rogers in the present tense even though he passed away in 2003. I have done this because, in my mind, he's still right here with us. If we're home, my son and daughter watch him everyday. I sit and enjoy the program with them, singing and talking about whatever Mister Rogers happens to be doing that day. In addition to viewing the show, we visit the website together where David can explore Mr. Rogers' online home and neighborhood, color favorite characters with the click of a mouse, and even listen to his favorite songs again and again.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is a classic children's show that helps my preschooler do the following:
*Develop a positive self-image
*Explore typical preschool concepts such as colors, shapes, and letters
*Learn to express emotions in a healthy manner
*Be tolerant of others who are different and understand that everyone is special in their own way
*Gain a better understanding of his world by "visiting" interesting places
*Improve creative abilities through imagination, music, and play
I highly recommend this program and hope you'll check your local listings to see when Mister Rogers' Neighborhood is shown in your area.
