What the Experts Say Program Description Featured Puppet Character A Success Story

The Kids on the Block, Inc. has worked to address the questions, worries, misconceptions, and prejudices with which our children are faced because of this war against terror.  As a result, The Kids on the Block Program on Coping with Crisis and Making a Difference has been written to deal with these issues facing our children.

The program contains four scripts which address the various issues of the war on terrorism: safety and security, deployment of loved ones and the accompanying difficulties surrounding military deployment, misconceptions and prejudices about Muslims, and contributing to the community in need.
 
 

“There is now a substantial body of literature documenting the immediate and long-term psychological effects of war-related violence on children.  The research has studied both those who have been direct victims of war and terrorism, as well as the indirect victims and even potential victims.  Accumulating evidence shows that war experiences can damage the psychosocial development of young children and their expectations regarding their future lives.” ~Dr. Lennis G. Echterling, from the Department of Psychology at James Madison University “Contrary to parents’ fears, talking about violent acts will not increase a child’s fear.  Having children keep scared feelings to themselves is more damaging than open discussion.” ~New York University Child Study Center “The terrorist attack on America Tuesday, September 11 has captured the attention of the nation, and it should. Children, however, have a hard time putting these emotionally charged events into perspective. They need the help of the adults around them.”  ~Judith A. Myers-Walls, Extension Specialist, Purdue University

What the Experts Say about a Child's Response to War                     ~Note: The opinions of these professionals are in regards to children and their mental health; they are not specific to the KOB program.

 

Program Description

“Troubling Times” In the “Troubling Times” script, Brenda has continued concerns about the events of September 11, but is reluctant to discuss them.  She has difficulty processing her feelings, especially since life is “returning to normal” for many of her friends.  Melody explains that discussion is a healthy way to deal with the issues.  Encouraging children to talk about the events of that day and their accompanying fears and concerns is the goal of this script.  “Wait Till the War’s Over” The script “Wait Till the War’s Over” addresses the difficulties with which military families are faced when confronted with the reality of deployment.  In “Wait” Brenda is anxious as her aunt is out of the country serving in the war on terrorism.  Her friend Melody, whose father is also deployed, helps Brenda understand healthy and realistic ways to react to her aunt’s deployment. “An All American Girl” As the featured character in “An All American Girl,” Salimah Rahman clarifies for her friend Brenda what it means to be a Muslim.  The program helps to define what a Muslim is and address misconceptions about the Muslim community.  Although the script was developed in response to September 11, it is designed to address prejudice against Muslim or Arab individuals/communities in any situation or setting. “Helping to Heal” Emphasized in the script “Helping to Heal” is that children can make a valuable contribution to their community.  Brenda and Melody, as part of a committee, discuss how their service project can help the victims of terrorism.  The kids realize, “Just because we want to help the victims of terrorism, that doesn't mean we have to stop helping other people in need.”

 

Salimah Rahman Meet the newest member of the Kids on the Block family, Salimah Rahman.  To help challenge the myth that all Muslims are also Arabs, it is an intentional choice that this new character is not an Arab-American.  In fact, in keeping with most of the Muslim population in the United States, it is significant that Salimah is not of Arab descent.  She appears in the script “An All American Girl” and can be substituted for Melody in “Helping to Heal.”

Featured Puppet Character   Salimah's Picture and Bio

 

A Success Story

Several Kids on the Block troupes located all over the country have already been successfully performing “Troubling Times” since its debut in October 2001.  According to the Mental Health Association of North Dakota, the experience performing this script has been “truly amazing.”  The audience connected with the characters and their plight, which inspired open dialogue and insightful questions from the students.

 
 
 

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