Mister Rogers' Playtime

by Fred Rogers

Encourage Your Child to Create, Explore, and Pretend with Dozens of Nurturing and Easy-to-Do Activities

This lively volume from the man described on National Public Radio as "the best friend America's families ever had" is packed with more than 80 entertaining games and activities through which parents can encourage children ages 3 to 7 to learn and grow -- and have fun doing it. It offers clear, accessible illustrations along with stimulating activities to help kids explore dramatic play, creation, sensation, self-expression, nature, feelings, science, helping, sharing, and other areas. It also presents helpful parenting advice and explanations of the skills developed through each activity.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2001

About the author

Fred McFeely Rogers was an American educator, minister, songwriter, and television host. Rogers was the host of the television show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in production from 1968 to 2001. Rogers was also an ordained Presbyterian minister.

Reviews

[Leticia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this 5 stars not because of the actual activities in the book, which are okay, but the little purple boxes of simple, but profoundly insightful information that Fred includes throughout the book about the thought processes of children and why they behave the way they do. I just love him. I want a copy of my own.

[Kellyanne Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in the same volume as his parenting book. I recommend both. I love the game ideas and how they inspire a child's imagination and support development. My favorite was the key to your child's own imaginary world.

[Lauren Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple yet worthwhile study on childhood play. I LOVE how every idea and prompt makes use of common household items or nature and simply sets the stage for explorative, open-ended play.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've started skimming this - I think Sam is going to enjoy some of the projects that come out of it!

It's organized into different things kids want to learn and most of the projects are relatively easy. Not everything is a project though - some are just ideas for playing.

[Julyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice activities but with the power of Internet now, you can Google more hands on activities likes these. But a great start for any parent who would like to introduce activities other than electronic toys or iPad games.

[Heather the Banjo Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has some really easy and fun ideas. Not the best playtime book ever, but not bad.

[Theresa Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good resource for parents/family/babysitters of preschoolers. Fun and educational activity ideas.

[Kimberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It allowed me to create, explore and pretend with easy to do activities for my then busy toddler boys.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

has a great index