When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids

by Gregg Behr, Ryan Rydzewski, Joanne Rogers (Foreword)

Bring the lessons of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood into the digital age, as this book helps guide parents to raise more creative, curious and caring kids—from the founder of the acclaimed education network Remake Learning.
 
Playful and practical,  When You Wonder, You're Learning  introduces a new generation of families to the lessons of  Mister Rogers' Neighborhood . By exploring the science behind the iconic television program, the book reveals what Fred Rogers called the “tools for learning”: skills and mindsets that scientists now consider essential. These tools—curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and more—have been shown to boost everything from academic learning to children’s well-being, and they benefit kids of every background and age. They cost next to nothing to develop, and they hinge on the very things that make life worthwhile: self-acceptance; close, loving relationships; and a deep regard for one’s neighbor.
 
When You Wonder, You're Learning  shows parents and educators the many ways they might follow in Rogers’ footsteps, sharing his “tools for learning” with digital-age kids. With insights from thinkers, scientists, and teachers—many of whom worked with Rogers himself—the book is an essential exploration into how kids and their parents can excel at what Rogers taught best: being human.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Audiobook, Teaching, Unfinished, Childrens

272 pages, Hardcover

Published April 20, 2021

About the author

Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation, is a father and children’s advocate whose work is inspired by the legacy of his hero, Fred Rogers. For more than a decade, he has helped lead Remake Learning—a network of educators, scientists, artists, and makers he founded in 2007—to international renown. Formed in Rogers' real-life neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Remake Learning has turned heads everywhere from Forbes to the World Economic Forum for its efforts to ignite children's curiosity, encourage creativity, and foster justice and belonging in schools, libraries, museums, and more. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and also Duke University, Gregg holds honorary degrees from Carlow University and Saint Vincent College. He's an advisor to the Brookings Institution and the Fred Rogers Center, and has been cited by Barack Obama and the Disruptor Foundation as an innovator and thought leader.

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Honestly it was looking to be a five star read until I got to the trauma chapter and it used ACEs to frame a lot of that discussion and I was like noooooo. There's been a lot of research that has come out in the past few years (including from one of the founders of ACEs) that has shed light on why that tool is problematic. That being said, I thought the authors did a good job combining the research with Mr. Rogers history; it reminded me of the Won't You Be My Neighbor documentary. I'd definitely recommend this to parents and teachers, with the caveat that the trauma chapter is probably going to be rewritten if they do future editions.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for both educators and parents. It highlights what children need, perhaps now more than ever, and then outlines the methods Mr. Rogers gave us to meet those needs. As the book shows, everything Mr. Rogers did was purposeful, and I appreciated how the book went into the “why” behind his methods. This would be a great book to use for professional development.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! The authors talk about how to do what I want you to do: draw on the work of Fred Rogers to strengthen my teaching, creativity, and connections to others. And while the focus is on children, it’s equally applicable to adults, as well.

[Sara (Sjthroughthelookingglass) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book appealed to me as a former sociology minor, to my nostalgic inner child, and as a current parent.

I grew up watching Mr Rogers neighborhood. At the time I was just watching a show that I liked. Now, as an adult and having read this book, I see the show through a new set of eyes. Mr Rogers intentionally carefully designed every aspect of his show to create wonder, instill a desire to learn, and grow creativity all while encouraging empathy, cultivating kindness and self worth. These are all important values for not only today's kids, but people as a whole! I walked away from this book with a few insights on parenting and with the need to introduce the show to my daughter.

[Amberinhonduras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a bit to get into but such a great reminder of best practices in educating children. And also a beautiful tribute to a man who dedicated his life to making sure children felt loved and accepted.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The real gift Fred Rogers gave us was hope - hope that with the tools for learning that he worked so hard to teach us, we would find within ourselves the strength to confront hard problems. Hope that we’d each find the courage to love thy neighbor. Hope that caring adults would protect us - and that each of us would, in turn, become caring adults ourselves….it’s the kind of work that’s never really finished.

If we want to raise creative, curious, caring human beings, then we have our work cut out for us. May we offer that love - and carry on with that striving - for the rest of our days”.

This book was balm for the soul in our divided, disconnected, apathetic world. I pray these little reminders stick with me as I begin this school year and beyond. ❤️

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It talked about a lot of things that I already believe in and want to do. I think it’s a useful tool for adults in childrens lives including educators. A lot of the promoting imagination and creativity I learned at the science center and use with the kids I work with. I took notes and can’t wait to see apply this for my new job

[Jessie Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it, but it lost a little bit of steam for me by the end. Mr. Rogers was before my time and not a staple at my house growing up, but I loved learning about the show and its intentionality for kids. It’s not a page-turner by any means, but it does a great job reminding parents and educators how to be child focused and slower-paced where it counts in play.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal. I highly recommend this to any teachers, parents, or anyone else with a vested interest in the future of our world. We all have the innate ability to exhibit creativity, curiosity, and care when we have a felt-sense of being safe, nurtured, and supported.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for parents, caregivers and educators!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book ! A heartwarming read It was my favorite book of the year so far !!!
I highly recommend it to anyone who works with or has children we all have creativity , curiosity, and empathy that needs to be nurtured to create a better future. Mr Roger’s work has always been inspiring but to learn about how much intentionality he put in to all of his projects was fascinating to me.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review forthcoming through Shelf Awareness

[Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book about how Mr. Rogers was intentional with his programming, in his goal to allow kids to wonder and therefore learn. Mr Rogers’ main lesson was that of kindness and empathy to others, as he realized that caring relationships were key to growing up and thriving. This book highlights the fact that Mr Rogers did everything on his show with intention, from the way he looked at the camera to the colors on his set. He was always purposeful with the ways he allowed kids to wonder. The book contains sections on curiosity, creativity, communication, collaboration, and connection, all to teach today’s parents and educators what Mr Rogers always knew – that “the more kids feel that they matter – that someone accepts them just the way they are – the better they tend to do.”⁣

[Kurt Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

Key quotes/reactions:

(84) Take the time to listen to and understand your children and yourself, and the appropriate solutions to problems will become evident.

(87) Fred Rogers used to say that there are no shortcuts to building a relationship.

(92) We can express our angry feelings provided we do not attack the child's personality or character.

(116) When we look for what's best in a person we happen to be with at the moment, we're doing what God does all the time.

(123) If our brains are presented with many images of certain groups of people posing as threats, or brains almost always treats those images as memories.

(127) Diversity is a fact, but inclusivity is a choice.

(137) [Kids] grow successful not because they've persevered toward an immutable goal but because they've been given the permission and the privilege to go out and discover their purpose.

(138) At no point are viewers [of MRN] pressured to take to something; the goal is simply exposure and sampling... [Rogers] only asks that viewers try.

(139) [from Hunter S. Thompson's letter]: The goal is absolutely secondary: It is the functioning toward the goal which is important.

(146) It's crucial for kids to have a nonparent adult in their lives to take a genuine interest in them.

(157) Note to self: check out the growth mindset program at perts.net

(159) Parents and teachers can break the cycle by making it clear that struggles and mistakes can be good.

(171) Declare a "hat day" for no other reason except that wearing hats can be fun.

(182) The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.

(184) Wherever he goes, Rogers introduces each new person to his television neighbor.

(190) Rogers knew [that empathy is a practice you have to work at]. In fact, to keep himself grounded, he woke up every morning at 5:00 a.m. to give himself a couple of hours of unhurried quiet. He spent those early morning actively exercising empathy. He would read the Bible, pray for other people, and then he would think about the coming day. He would spend that time envisioning who he was going to see and how he would be fully engaged and thoughtful and considerate and kind with whomever he countered.

(196) LIFE IS FOR SERVICE.

(199) [Instead of state standards]: Why don't we start by asking 'What do you dream about that you never talk about? What would you do if only you could?

(203) Fortunately for us, connection [with students] doesn't require that we always have the answers. On the contrary, revealing our own vulnerability--our fears, our self-doubts, our uncertainties--models for kids that it's okay to not know and that it's good to ask for help.

(209) [Mary Rawson, speaking about MRN's proclivity for talking about real issues]: Violence and war, hatred and intolerance are not painted out of the picture, but neither are they allowed to destroy the canvas.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was released in April of 2021, and claims to bring the lessons of Mr. Rogers into the digital age. I think it does just that. Fred Rogers wasn’t just a nice guy, he was a highly educated man who really wanted to make a difference in the lives of children who watched his television program. Each part of each episode was carefully planned out to instill lessons like curiosity, creativity, collaboration, self-acceptance; close, loving relationships; and a deep regard for one’s neighbor. Through an in-depth look at Fred Rogers’ philosophies, the author shows how today’s digital-age families can implement these same ideas. Now, this author is definitely more of a liberal thinker in terms of the United States political scene. A few of his ideas I didn’t entirely agree with. However, overall, I really enjoyed this book. And my favorite thing about it, was it got me interested in the man, Fred Rogers, which led me to watch one of my favorite movies of the year: “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers. This movie came out in 2019, so I’m a little behind, but if you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It was pretty neat to read so much about Mr. Rogers and then see it brought to life on the big screen. Seriously, it’s such an uplifting movie that almost does a better job teaching the lessons than the book.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on the approach that Mister Rogers' Neighborhood took toward learning: not just education, but teaching the whole person whether in school or at home. They take Mr. Rogers’ “tools for learning” into the digital age, sharing the basis for learning that has been backed up by academic research: curiosity, creativity, collaboration. Another part of these tools goes in an even deeper direction: self-acceptance; close, loving relationships; and deep regard for one’s neighbor.

I liked this book because it incorporated these proven approaches to improving children’s lives. The methods can be very useful to teachers in schools and parents at home. And it’s especially timely during Covid when so many parents are doing extra work at home with their kids. What really impressed me about the book was that it went all the way back to the 1960s when the Mr. Rogers’ show first appeared and yet those learning lessons are still as applicable today as they were then.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/gre...

[Allie Bayer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried a true non-fiction again. Aaaand I was bored…again. This book absolutely had some fantastic information in it and I really, truly loved 4-5 lines. But…I was bored. It could’ve been 100 pages instead of 200+ and I’d have held on with more enthusiasm, longer, I think. This appealed to me as a parent (obviously), a teacher, and someone that loves a book that includes MODERN research (published less than a year ago so the end of this includes a lot of Covid psychology!) However, Mr. Rogers was a bit before my time and I watched it here and there, sure, but I don’t have any fond memories or attachment to the man or the show so most of the connections and nostalgia went right over my head. I enjoyed the “What Might You Do?” examples at the end of each chapter, but honestly? A lot of this book felt very obvious to me and simultaneously made me feel like the best advice I was gaining from it was, “turn off Power Rangers. Log into Prime and turn on Neighborhood for your kids. Mr. Rogers knew what he was doing so let him do his job.” Soooo that’s what I did. We watched an episode today. And my kids (a bit surprisingly) ate it right up.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could talk for-ev-er about Mister Rogers, and how much I love him and his work and how much it's influenced me as I've worked with children. He treated his work and the children it was for with deep respect and seriousness. I think this book was maybe a great idea that missed a bit on execution. I love reading about how intentional and research-based every part of Mister Roger's show was, but there's not a ton here that wasn't already in Maxwell King's fantastic The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers. Each section ended with a one-page "What Might You Do?" that had suggestions for ways that adults could implement Mister Rogers' strategies for encouraging creativity, curiosity, empathy, etc. I think that's probably where this book could have really set itself apart from other books like it, but it needed a lot more of those suggestions for that to be meaningful. That said, this is not a bad summary of Mister Rogers' values and methods if you don't want to read something as lengthy as King's The Good Neighbor. (But seriously, read King's The Good Neighbor. It's really, really good.)

[Mike Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an outstanding and readable description of the science behind Mister Rogers. I shamefully admit I was too cool for Fred Rogers when I was younger. My brother (psychology professor) is a minor Fred Rogers expert, and I have had various exposures to Rogers' work over the years. My younger self was wrong - Fred Rogers is incredible and I wish I were more like him.

This book digs into various aspects of how Fred Rogers prepared his Neighborhood, details about the presentation, and the impact his approach has on children. Mister Rogers was targeted at younger children, and I am a college professor, but I found a lot of material to inform my teaching and hopefully improve. There is brain science, psychology, and a lot of practical wisdom in this book. Like Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, the book has many connections to Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh based institutions. As a long time western PA resident, I am proud to say Pittsburgh is doing a lot of things right.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a lifetime of educational experience in their heads, Gregg and Ryan write this book from their heart to all of us that care for supporting and raising kids to be their very best over their lifetime!
The authors point out beautifully and practically that in today's world that means more than the ability to read, write and do arithmetic. Curiosity is explored and encouraged as the "linchpin of intellectual achievement". It is that curiosity that leads to exploration, then to questions, and eventually to examining the status quo. As Gregg and Ryan say "Curiosity is Power"! This concept along with collaboration, listening, and serving are just a few of the wonderful topics you will encounter along the journey of this book, and by the end you will be enlightened and equipped to assist the next generation!

[LeeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first I felt this book was overly sentimental and overly focused on reminiscing the joy of Mr Rogers television show. But I did learn from it. And I left reminded that a child-generated question or curiosity creates the best space for learning.

- it’s critical to respond thoughtfully to kids questions
- attitudes are caught, not taught - if you want your child to love working with clay, love clay in front of them.
- it’s okay to express your negative feelings when something happens as long as you don’t attack your child’s personality or character (children whose mother reacted with horror when the child got another child learned not to hit better than those whose mothers spoke quietly and calmly).

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartwarming, as if written by Mr. Rogers himself. My patient husband had to listen to me read snippets to him all week, but I couldn't help it because this book was full of interesting studies and powerful observations. This is one I stopped to write down:
"In 2002, Jeanetta McCoy of Washington State University tested the creative performance of high school students in two settings. One rich in wood and soaked in sunlight, the other comprised of sterile manufactured materials like plastic and drywall. Though the task was the same in both environments, kids in the former setting churned out more imaginative work suggesting that natural seeming spaces can aid creative thought."
Everyone who spends ample time with children should read this book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts: 
🤔 I grew up watching Mister Rogers Neighborhood, and after reading this book, I see it in a whole new light and have a new appreciation for it. 
🤔 While I believe the book is designed to be helpful in raising and educating children, I believe there are a lot of lessons that are helpful for people of all ages.  
🤔 Two things that really stood out to me were that feelings need to be a priority and human connection really is one of our most basic needs.  


Who is going to love it:
❤Parents who want to raise children who are creative, curious, and caring.  
❤️Teachers who want to foster a love of creativity and curiosity.  
❤️Anyone who wants to relive the nostalgia of The Neighborhood and realize the research behind so much of what Fred Rogers did.

[Jackie Stremlow-Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful must read for any parent, educator, caregiver, etc. Mr Rogers is a favorite of mine since I was a child. He always was genuine, loving and supportive of making you feel like you were something special.

Each chapter starts with a story from the television program and then leads into how those concepts and big ideals have been researched, what programs have been developed to support or provide change, and how we are adults in the lives of young people can help support them with love, guidance, understanding and opportunity. My copy is marked with highlighted passages to remember. I have always been in awe of Mr Rogers and loved experiencing more through some behind the scenes moments.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors carefully and succinctly structure this book around key ideas that Mister Rogers brought into his television neighborhood. They highlight research, examples, and moments from the show to support Mister Rogers’ lessons, and then end each chapter with a synopsis of, “What Might You Do?”

Their engaging writing has created a book that serves as a great tool for schools, teachers, and parents/caregivers. The information on belonging feels particularly salient in a time when diversity and inclusion are touted as unnecessary or even harmful. My only critique then is when the vocal argument for the importance of representation vividly conflicts with this book being authored by two white/straight/cisgender males.

[Chelsea Gilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long time fan of Mr. Rogers’ work with children, this book solidified my respect for him even more. I’m an early childhood educator and have learned so much from his teaching and communication style. This book takes examples from his life and show, validates it with current research, and has clear and actionable ways to implement the learning right away. One of the more effective books on relating to children I’ve read. I would highly recommend this to anyone who spends anytime with children: parents, family members, pediatricians and educators. Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful account of the science behind Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.

The following ideas are explored in 6 chapters:
1. When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Curiosity
2. Mud Pies and Block Buildings: Creativity
3. It All Works Out If You Talk and You Listen: Communication
4. Appreciation Is a Holy Thing: Working Together
5. It’s You Who Have to Try It and It’s You Who Have to Fall (Sometimes): Learning and Growing
6. Such a Good Feeling: Connection

While these are helpful in raising children, there are also many lessons for adults!

I really enjoyed the many stories relating to Fred Rogers. He was indeed an amazing and wonderful man!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an 80's child, I loved Mr. Rogers and his neighborhood. He taught me about kindness and being thoughtful while encouraging creativity and imagination. I fondly remember watching his show and knowing that I wanted to be kind. As an adult, parent, and educator, When You Wonder, You're Learning is a powerful reminder of not only all that was (and is) amazing about Fred Rogers, but also how to interact with children and students in order to bring about their very best. I HIGHLY recommend this text to all parents and educators. It is a reminder of what we do, why we do what we do, and how to better do it while also being a true testament to the very best, Fred Rogers.

[Kristin Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so many fond memories of watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood growing up, but I never realized just how intentional every moment on that show really was. When You Wonder, You’re Learning opened my eyes to the sheer brilliance behind Fred Rogers’ approach to education, child development, and emotional growth.

This book is filled with insights about how curiosity, empathy, and wonder can shape how kids learn and grow. I found myself constantly reflecting on ways to bring those same principles into the work I do to support student learning. It’s both nostalgic and inspiring. It is a powerful reminder of the kind of learning that truly lasts.

[Jacki Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the timing of me reading this book fool you, it is absolutely fantastic! Saw a presentation done by the authors and knew I needed to read their book immediately! For any educator that feels like they need a new direction for their teaching or need a refresh to their style, this book can help in so many ways. The central theme is focused on how to connect and communicate effectively, kindly, and compassionately with young people to best impact their learning, development, and long-term character development, all centered around the teachings and techniques of Mr. Rogers. Can’t get much better than that. This book should be on EVERY pre-service teacher reading list in college.