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Our Programs |
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K–2 Program: 30 minute presentation includes an interactive experience. 3–6 Program: 45 minute presentation includes question and answer period. Inquire about no-charge performance availability Topics Alternatives to Violence & Gang Membership — This powerful program is designed to help children stay out of gangs and avoid the violent behavior that often precedes gang involvement. It deals with the issues of the consequences of violence, recognizing productive ways to solve problems, identifying low self-esteem that may lead to gang involvement, and addressing racial and ethnic stereotypes. Bullies & School Safety — This program continues to be a big hit. School staff and students deserve a safe place to work. For some schools violence and crime are minor issues, for others they are daily occurrences. Often fear of violence comes at the hands of the school bully. The program on “Bullying” is designed to create awareness of what constitutes bullying, presents problem solving strategies, encourages empathy for targets of bullies, and explores ways that students may be involved in promoting safety in schools. Cerebral Palsy — In this program Mark is a 12 year old boy who talks about his particular type of cerebral palsy. Performances cover Mark’s use of his wheel-chair and helmet, social concerns, and misconceptions about people with disabilities. Children's Mental Health — Today’s children realize that life isn’t always easy. Pressure to win, to be liked, to get along with your family, or do well in school may cause a young person to experience stress. In the performance “Feelings are Important” the puppets Brenda and Melody talk about problem-solving skills and understanding feelings. Coping with Crisis & Making a Difference — This program started last spring to help children deal with the threat of terrorism and the difficulties that military families face when confronted with the realities of deployment. Children suffered a loss of innocence after September 11, 2001, and the resulting “War on Terrorism,” and they continue to struggle in their attempt to make sense of a world that now feels frightening and unsafe. Divorce — Brenda’s mother and father are divorced, and Brenda has had to adjust to a variety of life changes. Performances cover issues such as feeling “caught in the middle” between parents, dividing her time between two homes, and spending holidays and time with both parents. This program was developed in conjunction with The Center for Children of Divorce in Washington, D.C. Down Syndrome — This program features 17-year-old Ellen Jane Peterson, who has Down syndrome. Ellen Jane works in an animal hospital. When asked if she'd like to become the veterinarian someday, she answers, “Well, maybe, but I really like being the vet's assistant, and anyway you have to go to school for a real long time to be a vet. And it takes me a long time to learn things.” She goes on to explain that she learns slowly because she has mental retardation. Ellen Jane is very good at her job at the animal hospital and very good at helping people feel at ease around her. Epilepsy — The Epilepsy Foundation worked with Kids on the Block to develop this program in which 11 year old al McDaniel clearly and fearlessly explains about epilepsy. Hemophilia — This program is designed to educate children about hemophilia and some of the functions of the blood. It encourages sensitivity to others who may have a difference and corrects some myths and misconceptions about hemophilia. Multiculturalism — Culture is the filter through which we view the world. The performances explain and define the concept of culture, addressing issues such as feeling torn between two cultures, identifying one’s own culture, challenging gender bias, stereotyping, and learning about holidays. Visual Impairment — Ths program educates children about blindness, and the use of adaptive aids. It demonstrates appropriate ways to interact with persons who are blind. Renaldo is an 11 year old who plays checkers and baseball using devices made especially for the blind. In the program “Campers,” children learn how Renaldo follows a path without being able to see. |