Why should my organization choose The Kids on the Block?
Is the puppetry difficult to learn?
How much time commitment is involved?
How can I be sure the program will be effective?
How much do the puppets cost?
How can I receive funding to purchase the puppets and programs?
What if there are already Kids on the Block puppet troupes in my area?
Can I rewrite some of the scripts?
What if you don’t offer a program on my topic of interest?
For what grade levels are the programs designed?
Do you have any videos or materials for preschool audiences?
Besides the puppets and programs, what else do I need to get started?
How do I place an order?
I ordered an item and have not received it.
How do I schedule a show / find a KOB troupe in my area if my state doesn't have a listing on your site?
Are there presenters who can do a workshop with the puppets at my conference?

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Why should my organization choose The Kids on the Block?
When you choose The Kids on the Block, you’re able to give much more than a puppet show.  You will be able to present a well-researched, comprehensive curriculum designed to educate elementary school age children about important issues. With Kids on the Block, learning starts when the show begins.  After viewing the presentation of scripted dialog between puppet characters, children are given the opportunity to address their own specific questions.  The puppets themselves take questions from the audience, fully engaging the children with their kid-friendly responses.  Following the question and answer period, optional follow-up activities provided with the program may be used to reinforce the issues presented.  Whether you present one program or many, a Kids on the Block presentation is an unforgettable experience! (Return to top)


Is the puppetry difficult to learn?
No previous experience is necessary to become a Kids on the Block puppeteer.  Although any new undertaking can be challenging at first, there are many puppeteers who had never picked up a puppet before becoming involved with The Kids on the Block. With time and patience, most people easily learn the skills necessary to put on an effective educational presentation. The training video that comes free with your first purchase teaches the basic puppetry skills needed to perform.  Additional training and support are available through periodic training workshops and other venues. (Return to top)


How much time commitment is involved?
Like any worthwhile project, starting and maintaining a Kids on the Block troupe requires commitment of time and energy.  Some organizations begin by purchasing one program and corresponding puppets.  As they become established in the community, programs and puppets are added.  The Kids on the Block Coordinator’s Manual, provided free with each troupe’s initial purchase contains step by step instructions for implementing and maintaining a new program.  

Being a puppeteer for The Kids on the Block can be a gratifying project for volunteers or staff.  After training, puppeteers work as part of a team to perform for schools, camps, hospitals and various other community events and conferences. Performing schedules vary; some troupes are part of very large establishments that offer performances daily and year-round, while others have one or two programs and perform minimally during the school year.  This flexibility makes The Kids on the Block an ideal educational tool for groups of all sizes and resources. (Return to top)


How can I be sure the program will be effective?
The Kids on the Block, Inc. has been teaching children through informative, entertaining, interactive puppetry for more than 28 years.  Of the more than 1600 active troupes including schools, hospitals, associations, civic groups, municipalities and even individuals, 135  have been using Kids on the Block programs for more than 20 years! That kind of longevity is a testament to the value these groups offer to their communities.

Over the years, The Kids on the Block, Inc. has been the subject of a number of research studies (see the Program Effectiveness Summary Sheet) for further information on the effectiveness of The Kids on the Block, Inc. (Return to top)  


How much do the puppets cost?
The puppets and programs are comparable in price to many educational curriculums.  The cost of starting your first program will vary depending on the topic and characters required.  We'd be happy to provide you with a price quote for the topics which most interest you.  (Return to top) 


How can I receive funding to purchase the puppets and programs?
Many Kids on the Block associates rely on funding to establish and maintain their performing troupes.  Grants from local or regional private, community or corporate foundations are the preferred funding option for many groups.  Local, State and Federal Government agencies, in many cases,  fund and support Kids on the Block programs, especially when a budget is created to fund a specific educational program or project. Even fund-raising events can and do generate the funds and community interest necessary to set up or sustain a program.  (Return to top)


What if there are already Kids on the Block puppet troupes in my area?
Because The Kids on the Block offers more than 40 different program topics, it is possible and desirable to have multiple troupes co-exist within the same geographic region.  Programs can be chosen to compliment rather than duplicate services and by collaborating with neighboring troupes, everyone can benefit by sharing resources to train volunteers and promote programs. (Return to top)


Can I rewrite some of the scripts?
In order to ensure preservation of the integrity of the curriculum material, The Kids on the Block, Inc. puppets and programs are protected by copyright and may not be altered. Purchasers can be assured that all programs are created and updated to the highest educational standards. During the often year-long program development process, the topic is researched, scripts are written, then field-tested with child audiences, reviewed by educators and professionals in the topic field of study and then revised and refined, until it is determined the proper messages are being conveyed to and perceived by children in the audience. The question and answer period following each performance provides the opportunity to possibly address specific local or cultural issues not presented in the scripted performance. The Kids on the Block, Inc. staff is available to address and discuss script content and copyright questions or concerns. (Return to top)


What if you don’t offer a program on my topic of interest?
Many Kids on the Block curriculums were developed in conjunction with a sponsor. Any individual or organization interested in sponsoring development of a new curriculum may contact us to discuss the procedure. However, even if The Kids on the Block does not currently offer a program about a specific topic, the underlying theme of understanding and accepting differences is present in each of the 43 programs currently available.  Broader themes such as character education, conflict resolution or responsibility may be addressed through pairing scripts from multiple topics into a presentation.  (Return to top)


For what grade levels are the programs designed?
The Kids on the Block programs are directed toward audiences in kindergarten through early middle school.  Most programs include three to five scripts which address specific subject areas within the topic. Although age-appropriateness of individual scripts can be subjective, recommended audience age levels are provided with the curriculum material or are available by consulting The Kids on the Block, Inc. staff. (Return to top)


Do you have any videos or materials for preschool audiences?
The Kids on the Block Early Learning Series is a video curriculum featuring The Kids on the Block puppets introducing lessons about aggression, compassion and perseverance. The package includes follow-up activities and a scripted introduction for troupes wishing to use the curriculum in conjunction with their live, school-age presentation. The Kids on the Block Early Learning Series may be purchased and presented by anyone, even individuals and groups who do not own The Kids on the Block, Inc. puppets and programs. (Return to top)


Besides the puppets and programs, what else do I need to get started?
The Kids on the Block, Inc. offers a variety of optional, but recommended performance-enhancing materials. Many troupes order supplemental accessories such as puppeteer performing shirts, performing hood and glove sets, prop/supplies case, performing stage and drape and various other materials designed to add polish and professionalism to any Kids on the Block performance.

Kids on the Block, Inc., licensed gift ware can be purchased through our exclusive online store. Just follow the link to purchase apparel, collectibles, housewares, and other fun gifts. (Return to top)


How do I place an order?
All Kids on the Block educational materials are developed and manufactured in Columbia, Maryland, USA, where our offices and puppet workshop are located. The Kids on the Block staff is available to assist with guidance, information, pricing, ordering and ongoing support after purchase, including training and program updates.  Some order forms may be downloaded form our website.  Puppet/Program order forms are available by request.  Simply e-mail your request to receive an Order Form in PDF format.  Orders may be placed anytime via fax (410-290-9358), mail (The Kids on the Block, Inc., 9385-C Gerwig Lane, Columbia, Maryland 21046)  or e-mail (credit card information should not be included in e-mails). The Kids on the Block, Inc. staff is available to assist by phone (410-290-9095) weekdays between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. EST. Our toll-free number, 800-368-KIDS (5437), is available to callers from the USA and Canada. (Return to top)   


I ordered an item and have not received it.
To check on the status of an order, please call 1-800-368-KIDS (5437), Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. EST. (Return to top)   


How do I schedule a show / find a KOB troupe in my area if my state doesn't have a listing on your site?
Local Kids on the Block performing troupes are able to fill a void in many communities by providing high-quality educational and entertaining presentations on a variety of topics often under-represented by current educational establishments. Many KOB troupes do not have websites.  To find out if there is a group in your area, email KOB headquarters.  Include contact information, zip code and program topic of interest. We regret that not all communities, either in the United States or abroad, are served by actively performing troupes.  If you want to bring the “Kids” to your community, we invite you to start you own performing troupe and join us in educating children with The Kids on the Block, Inc. puppet theater programs. (Return to top)


Are there presenters who can do a workshop with the puppets at my conference?
We love being part of national conferences and often having a Kids on the Block Performance can be a fun, informative and unique "kick-off" to a conference's general session.  In addition to being performers, our staff are also accomplished educators, researchers and writers who have given workshops on a broad range of subjects.  Basic fees start at $700 (not including transportation / accommodations).  Call or e-mail us with specifics on your conference and we'd be happy to tailor a performance and/or workshop to fit your needs.  (Return to top)