THE NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHIVE - All Things Mister Rogers

Daniel's Substitute Teacher

Episode: 505
Air Date: August 17, 2020
Previous Episode: 504b - Margaret's New Shoes
Next Episode: 506a - Daniel's New Friend Max
Purchase/Stream: Amazon

Daniel Tiger is practicing his singing in preparation for his school's Spring Sing. He is excited for school because Teacher Harriet will be teaching a dance to go with the class song. On the way to school, Daniel make-believes that he is already at school singing and dancing with Teacher Harriet.

Upon arriving at school, Daniel meets Mr. Malik -- the substitute teacher filling in while Teacher Harriet isn't feeling well. Daniel is relieved -- but unsure -- when he learns that the Spring Sing will go on as planned. Mom Tiger and Mr. Malik reassure Daniel: "Things may change and that's okay. Today we can do things a different way."

Daniel and his friends enjoy the ways that Mr. Malik is different from Teacher Harriet. They join him for circle time as he leads an activity to help them get to know one another.

For story time, Mr. Malik works with Daniel and the others to create a brand new story as they draw pictures on the easel. After the story, Daniel realizes that they will not be able to learn the new dance from Teacher Harriet in time for the Spring Sing. Mr. Malik helps Daniel and his friends prepare for the performance by playing his harmonica and teaching them a different dance.

The class takes their lunches outside for a picnic. Since Prince Wednesday is supposed to be the day's lunch helper, he is given the task of carrying the picnic blanket. Outside, Daniel make-believes that he is watching the seasons change from winter to spring. Everyone plays a spring game of i-spy.

Back inside, many of the Neighborhood grown-ups arrive at the school to watch the Spring Sing. Jodi Platypus is nervous but Mr. Malik is able to help her feel better for they perform. Mr. Malik is very proud of Daniel and the others.

Strategy

"Things may change and that's okay. Today we can do things a different way."

Songs

Appearing In This Episode

Notes

When Mr. Malik tells Daniel that Teacher Harriet is not feeling well, he references the strategy used in Episode 135: "...rest is best, you know."

The strategy used in this episode is also used in Episode 318.

The storyline from this episode is featured in the book Daniel Feels One Stripe Nervous.

The class song is sung to the tune of the popular children's song Frère Jacques:

Bright bright sunshine
Growing flowers
Birdies too, birdies too
Springtime is here now
Time to play outside now
You come too, you come too

Images

Episode Credits

Written by Jill Cozza-Turner and Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
Created by Angela C. Santomero
Based on the work of Fred Rogers

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