One of the reasons young children love Mr. Rogers is his slower rate of speech. The central auditory system of preschoolers can process spoken speech at 120-124 words per minute. Mr. Rogers, spoke at a rate of 124 words per minute. Although an adult’s rate of speech varies by context, in general that rate is 150 -200 words per minute. (Average Speaking Rate and Words per Minute). So, when you open a children’s book, slow it down to improve your child’s comprehension.