Disclosure: I participated in this program on behalf of The Fred Rogers Company and The Motherhood. All opinions are my own.
One show I distinctly remember from my childhood was Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. I remember Trolley and the Land of Make Believe. I remember how much I loved the show. It wasn’t until a very unique conference call yesterday with Sarah Wallendjack, Producer for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Annette Santella, Coordinator of Training for The Fred Rogers Company, and Chris Loggins, Production Manager, The Fred Rogers Company, that I realized how the nostalgia of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood is brought to the ever-popular show, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. I remember Mr. Rogers putting on his red sweater and shoes and Daniel Tiger does the same thing at the beginning of every show.
About the show:
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood premiered on September 3, 2012 and showed 40 half-hour episodes in the first season. It is among the top 10 highest rated programs for preschoolers since its premiere and among the top 5 highest rated programs among moms since its premiere. Every half hour pair is focused on the strategy — one theme that will apply to a child’s everyday life. The Land of Make Believe is where the show took off. Finally, something else I didn’t fully grasp until yesterday’s conference call is that the characters have all gone off and had their own children:
There are several upcoming episodes too! Before making each show, the producers will take the script in to a preschool audience of 2-4 year olds to make sure they understand and grasp the concepts and stories. Several new episodes to come, including Halloween- and Christmas-themed episodes as well as episodes about Daniel’s “big feelings”. Special episodes that have recently aired or are to come:
▪ “Neighbor Day” – Premiered Labor Day 2013
▪ “Dress Up Day” – Oct. 28
▪ “Snowflake Day” – Nov. 25
▪ “Daniel Big Feelings” Week – Feb. 17
Play time with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
If you know one thing about me by now, you know that I love things that encourage my kids to be themselves. I want them to learn and be creative in a way that feels good to them. Something I love about Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is that it allows them to do just that. Every toy is made to inspire creativity and imagination and allow for open-ended play.
Available on at Toys R Us, there are a variety of toys for your Daniel Tiger fan. You can find Mini Plush Neighbors, Neighborhood Friends Plush Dolls, Neighborhood Friends Figures, Neighborhood Trolley, Bungalow Adventure, Neighborhood All-in-One Playset, and a 3-in-1 Transformation Treehouse.
We were recently sent a DanielTiger Plush Doll and the Bungalow Adventure. Jemma loves to carry Daniel Tiger around.
Both of my girls have had a lot of fun with the Bungalow Adventure. It is really a cool toy in that it is Daniel’s home but can easily be transformed into a “jungle” by flipping up the floor, turning the bed on its side, flipping the tree trunk, and turning over the rug. Just like the episode, Daniel can jump from pillow to pillow in his home or you can turn it into a make believe land in which is it a jungle scene. It is lots of fun!
Do you have a kiddo that loves Daniel Tiger? Do you remember Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood like I do?
Erica says
By any chance, do you still have this bungalow?
karen medlin says
Thank you for sharing, and yep have the 3 year old who is a big fan. We he gives hugs, he tries to say Ugga Mugga. I enjoy watching the show, teaches the kids about sharing and other social skills they need.
Stefany says
Karen, I can’t wait for the Daniel’s Big Feelings episode. It is going to discuss feelings like anger and jealousy… things I don’t think other shows hit on enough.