Guest Lecturers in Early Literacy: Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski

Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski are the authors of When You Wonder, You're Learning. 

Fred Rogers was more than a nice guy in a sweater—he was also a learning scientist who was decades ahead of his time. 

Join us as we explore how Fred engineered Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood to develop the “tools for learning” that benefit children and adults alike. These tools—curiosity, creativity, communication, and more—are up to ten times more predictive of long-term success than test scores. They cost next to nothing to develop, and they hinge on the very things that make life worth living: self-acceptance; close, loving relationships; and a deep regard for one’s neighbor. 

With examples from thinkers, scientists, and teachers—many of whom worked with Fred himself—we’ll explore how caring adults can bring Fred’s lessons into the digital age, nurturing early literacy, family engagement, and more.

This lecture is part of the IS 423 Early Literacy in Libraries Spring 2022 course

Contact Zachary Stier with questions.