Good Morning Friends!

Today is such an exciting day around here on the Little Space League because it’s Daniel Tiger’s Birthday!! Did you know that Daniel Tiger was actually created in 1954 for the show, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”? Yes! He actually began as a sweet, loving puppet that Fred Rogers used to communicate with children. Eventually after Mister Rogers passed away, in honor of him and his amazing work they brought Daniel Tiger to life to carry on Mister Rogers’ life lessons. Today we are celebrating Daniel Tiger and Fred Rogers. Are you ready? Get your party hats on and let’s dive in!

We begin our journey by looking back at how Daniel began as a cute, fuzzy puppet. How many of you remember Daniel Tiger as a puppet? Comment and let me know! 😉

Next, it’s time to break out your favorite coloring supplies and curl up as you color Daniel Tiger on the neighborhood trolley! Fun fact: Did you know Fred Rogers was bullied as a child? He was quoted as saying,
“I used to cry to myself when I was alone,” Rogers said. “And I would cry through my fingers and make up songs on the piano.” Would you like to hear one of the songs he wrote? Let’s have a listen together. <3

When Daniel Tiger was created into his own animated show they took the life lessons that Mister Rogers had designed and brought them to a new generation. Today, as littles, we can celebrate those life lessons right along with Daniel Tiger. His most famous life lesson is:

Do you ever have trouble stopping yourself from getting worked up when you’re angry? I know I’ve had trouble with taking a pause when I’m angry. But it’s really important that we all learn to slow down, take a breath, and think through things before we act. Today we have a special Daniel Tiger activity that you can make every time you’re angry. It’s called, “Get Out the Mad Cookies”! The more you punch the cookie dough the better the cookies will taste! So, let’s head into the kitchen now. You will need to grab the following:

“Get Out the Mad Cookies” recipe

Materials

• Large bowl
• Cookie sheet

Ingredients:

• 3 cups oatmeal (either long cooking or instant)
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups butter or margarine (softened at room temperature)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
3. Give each child (Little! 😉 ) a chunk of dough and tell them to mash it, knead it, and pound it.
4. The longer and harder they mix the dough, the better the cookies taste!
5. When the mixing is done, show the children how to roll dough into balls about the size of ping-pong balls.
6. Place them on cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes.

For a printable copy of this recipe, click here!

Now let’s hear what Daniel has to say about what to do when you’re feeling grumpy and mad:

What a wonderful day we’ve had together and how much we’ve learned! I hope you all have enjoyed today’s Little Space Celebration Day. There will be plenty more special days coming all year long so make sure to hit the follow button and come along with us! 🙂 If you enjoyed today’s post please like, comment, and let me know. I’d love to hear from you, my friend. Until then, I’d like to leave you with my very favorite Mister Rogers song. I listen to this song in my own Little Space when I’m snuggled up tight in bed. It makes me think about my Daddy and I hope it makes you think about someone special that you love. It can be your Mom, Dad, Caregiver, Daddy Dom, Mommy Domme, Best Friend, or anyone else that is close in your heart. Know that you are beautiful and special just the way you are. Have a beautiful rest of the day!

Much love,

~Penny x