When Fred Rogers would write or speak about books and reading, he always mentioned his childhood librarian, “Aunt” Sara McComb. Fred learned to love reading at a young age because Aunt Sara shared her appreciation of books with the children at the library. Throughout his life, Fred observed that children learn best from the people they love—and from the people who obviously love what they are doing.
Before children can learn from a teacher, they need to have a sense of trust in adults. As Fred explains in this letter, one of his goals as Mister Rogers is to prepare children for academic learning by being a caring adult.
Going to school may be a child's first great transition in life. Because school is something that impacts all children, Fred Rogers devoted a week of Neighborhood episodes to the topic. This packet of materials was sent out to PBS stations to publicize the week of programs.
Each "Around the Neighborhood" newsletter focuses on a Neighborhood theme week. The front page of the newsletter is an explanation of the child psychology theories behind each theme week.
The Fred Rogers Institute Archivist is available for requests and inquiries from students and researchers.
