Gathering Place
Gathering Place
Mr. Rogers’ legacy:
Respect and watch
over the childrenTwo years ago, I stepped into an elevator in Philadelphia and ran into Mr. Rogers. It felt like meeting an old friend. I extended my hand and said, "Good morning, Mr. Rogers." He accepted my hand and said, "Hello, Liz."
Disregarding my conference nametag, I felt special. Throughout his life Mr. Rogers performed magic on the TV screen and off. His "Neighborhood" reminded us all that young children need safe, caring environments in which to grow.
That evening I watched as Mr. Rogers wove his spell in a roomful of school superintendents, state legislators, and policy and business leaders from around the country. He transported a rapt audience into the world of young children, encouraging us to understand all children by remembering our own childhood. His stories about the unique qualities of children he knew, and the special consideration and respect they deserve, caused a growing calm and engagement few audiences accord a speaker. Eyes glistened at every table, movements quickened as dinner napkins wiped away tears. We all smiled quietly as we remembered special adults in our lives.
As I traveled down my own journey as a teacher of young children with special needs, a mother of three sons and an advocate for young children, my appreciation grew for the magical neighborhood created by Fred Rogers.
His television program was filled with repetitive songs and daily routines, giving young children a sense of security and caring. Just as young children love to be read their favorite books over and over, children have responded to the routines of Mr. Rogers' songs, cardigan sweater, shoes and make-believe neighborhood.
He knew that young children deserve to have adults around them who respect them. Learning occurs when keiki are listened to, talked with and given lots of opportunities to play. But he also knew that this magic does not easily occur. Adults must focus on how we talk with children, what kinds of models we are, and whether we send our children to quality early education and care programs, where they spend the majority of their days.
Early education and care must be a place where adults nurture the child, talk to the child, give the child an opportunity to play with safe materials in safe spaces, read to the child regularly and respect the feelings of the child -- all hallmarks of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood."
Fred Rogers was committed to improving his world. He exemplifies how one individual can make a difference in the lives of young children, one child at a time. Every parent, every teacher, every friend of a child can follow his example.
Mr. Rogers knew that the future of a society is reflected in how it treats its children. Each day, I try to honor his legacy. Will you value his memory and dedicate yourself to the positive growth and development of our youngest children?
Elisabeth Chun is executive director of Good Beginnings Alliance.