"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers"

     In this poetry book, the classic songs and lyrics of Mister Rogers in brought to paper in a wonderfully illustrated collection of poems. It truly brings a nostalgic vibe for those of us who grew up with Mister Rogers, and a great way to allow young learners now to experience Mister Rogers just the same. 

    The illustrations throughout the book are colorful, fun, and pleasing to the eye. The poems range from cute and sweet, to funny, and to serious, using multiple different real world topics that can be used as discussion starters and the basis for a lesson. In this selection we are able to experience quality poetry that promotes self-awareness, confidence, kindness, and other important values as well that are important for children to learn about and experience. 

    Since there are over 70 poems included in this book, there are so many opportunities for activities and response questions. For example one of my favorites from this text is "Sometimes I Wonder If I'm a Mistake", this poem is originally sung, but can be read all the same. 

Some potential options for discussion questions:

1. Do we ever feel like we have to be strong? When was a time you felt you had to be strong? (children can share out loud or write down their response)

2. When was a time you didn't feel like yourself? What did you do when you had this feeling?

3. What are some kind things we could say to a friend if they were not feeling as strong?

For this example, I may have students try to connect with the text in an emotional way, using this text as a read aloud for a lesson on self-awareness and self-esteem. 

    You can never go wrong with Mister Rogers in my opinion! I cannot wait to buy my own copy of this book. There are so many wonderful poems that can be used to help teach fluency and expression and introduce / practice vocabulary. The entries in this book can be used as songs or poems, so even using some of these in a music lesson would make for a great and engaging lesson!


References: 

Rogers, F., & Flowers, L. (2019). A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: The Poetry of Mister Rogers (Mister Rogers Poetry Books) (1st ed.). Quirk Books.

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