Learning Care Group News: February 1, 2024
Wonder is a rich, powerful concept often associated with early learning because young children naturally observe the world through a lens of curiosity and amazement.
It’s not exclusive to little ones though! Wonder is a universal feeling that sparks awe at every age. It’s the exciting sensation that compels us to dig deeper, ask questions, gain understanding, and explore beyond the surface. It’s how we all expand our knowledge and awareness.
Twice a year, Learning Care Group holds immersive Teacher In-Service Days across our community of 1,077 schools to invest in our educators, inspire connection, renew their passion and purpose, and share meaningful resources. The theme of our February 2024 training session is “The Power of We” because when we work together, we can maximize our impact on the 161k children our schools can serve each day.
This month, we’re excited to share the research of two thought leaders shining a light on the magic of wonder and how it translates to positive outcomes in the classroom.
Children’s advocate, Gregg Behr, and former elementary school teacher, Ryan Rydzewski, co-authored a 2021 book about the power of using wonder as a valuable teaching tool. It’s called When You Wonder, You’re Learning: Mister Rogers’ Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.
Behr is the founder of Remake Learning and Executive Director of the Grable Foundation. He also serves as an advisor to the Fred Rogers Institute. Rydzewski is an award-winning author and speaker with a Master of Fine Arts in nonfiction writing and a passion for education and science
Behr and Rydzewski are the keynote speakers for our event. They will address our 23k+ employees about the science of learning that informed the creation of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and the influence it continues to have on child development and raising happy, healthy kids.
Using curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and more, The Fred Method helps children gain essential tools for developing their sense of self-worth, building trust, and fine-tuning their ability to listen and problem-solve. This timeless, whole-child approach leads to profound lifelong benefits and serves as the blueprint for early learning.
One of the core messages of that landmark television program was, “I like you just the way you are.” By creating similar, thoughtful classroom environments, where everyone feels special, safe, loved, and accepted, wonder naturally leads the way. This translates to quality experiences, interactions, and opportunities.
At LCG, we encourage our teachers to lead by example and embody this overall approach. After gaining more insight from Behr and Rydzewski, we will focus on three company-wide objectives:
- Creating psychologically safe spaces where employees and children can thrive.
- Modeling positive team behaviors and healthy conflict resolution for children.
- Building classroom cultures with warm, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments.
In the coming months, we will also challenge our employees to “Take Fred Forward.” As Rogers said, “The greatest thing we can do is let people know they are loved and capable of loving.” Learning and love go hand-in-hand and when educators love what they do, it shows!
Want to launch a wonder-filled career of your own? Join our team today.
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