The social and emotional development of young children is just as, if not more important than learning ABCs, 123s and how to read and write. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood is an animated program for preschoolers based upon the pioneering PBS series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. While Daniel is only a 4-year old cub, he assumes the role of a life coach for both the youngest and oldest viewers of the show. The show focuses on raw emotions such as jealousy, anger, frustration and disrespect and provides strategies that can be used to navigate them in an effective way. In addition, Daniel Tiger also incorporates Mr. Roger’s belief in nurturing creativity and imagination through social interactions.
Each episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood includes two 11-minute real-life applicable stories that center around a socio-emotional dilemma faced by Daniel or one his friends. Daniel and all of his friends are children of the original characters from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood’s Land of Make-Believe. Daniel Tiger is the son of Daniel the striped Tiger, Katerina Kittycat is the daughter of Henrietta Pussycat, Miss Elaina is the daughter of Lady Elaine Fairchilde and Music Man Stan, O the Owl is the nephew of X the Owl, and Prince Wednesday is the son of King Friday and Queen Sara Saturday. During each episode, there is a catchy, musical phrase used as a reminder of how to respond to certain situations. For example, during the episode dealing with anger, Daniel sings “When you’re feeling mad, and you want to roar…. take a deep breath, and count to 4!” This and all of the other songs from the show can be used as a mnemonic device by little ones and their families as different social and emotional issues arise.
The original Daniel Tiger from Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. 
X, the owl from the Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood is the uncle of O, the owl from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. 
Lady Elaine Fairchilde and Music Man Stan are the parents of Miss Elaina from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhoo.d 
Daniel Tiger wears a red sweater just like Mr. Roger’s did during his shows.
Although there are many reasons, I love Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, one of the main reasons is its connection with the Essential 21st Century Skills. The Essential 21st Century Skills are the abilities and qualities one must possess in order to be successful and effective both personally and professionally in the 21st century. While there are many adaptations of the 21st Century Skills, they all include the following: creativity and imagination, collaboration and teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking. Each episode of Daniel Tiger that we have watched has incorporated all of these skills in a way that is easy to grasp and understand by preschoolers. Click here for additional information about the 21st Century Skills for parents and caregivers.
In addition to watching the show, we had the opportunity to see Daniel and his friends live at the Patricia & Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland in May. Daniel Tiger: King For A Day was a musical about King Friday declaring Daniel king for the day and how Daniel learns the importance of being kind to his neighbors. The musical was a reenactment of one of our favorite Daniel Tiger episodes and included all of the songs! We had a great time singing along and watching Daniel and his friends come to life before our very eyes. If you missed the musical, please check out the King for A Day episode of Daniel Tigers’ Neighborhood for a small fee.
Daniel the Tiger and his friends will be visiting their neighbors in several cities across the country for “Neighbor Day”, the musical starting in January 2020. They will be at the Warner Theatre, January 19, 2020. Click here to find out when tickets will go on sale.
There are several ways you can learn and interact with Daniel and all of his friends. You can visit the PBS website to find out when the show airs and to also download an app to play with Daniel while visiting the Enchanted Garden, the grocery store, Music Man Stan’s Music Show, and much more. If you are an Amazon Prime member, you can watch season 1 and 2 of Daniel Tiger for free and purchase additional seasons for a fee.
I hope you and family have a Grriffic time interacting with Daniel Tiger and his Friends. Ugga Mugga!!
Sense-Sational Toddler 