Key to Fred Rogers’ approach was the idea that a healthy child should be allowed to play, feel, and inhabit a Land of Make-Believe.

“But not everyone agreed that television could be a teaching tool. From the moment of its inception, television had champions who touted its potential and detractors who worried that the technology could influence public opinion and the minds of American youngsters. The American Federation of Teachers shared its skepticism...

Key to Fred Rogers’ approach was the idea that a healthy child should be allowed to play, feel, and inhabit a Land of Make-Believe.

“But not everyone agreed that television could be a teaching tool. From the moment of its inception, television had champions who touted its potential and detractors who worried that the technology could influence public opinion and the minds of American youngsters. The American Federation of Teachers shared its skepticism...