Return to KOTB Home Page When Melody is confused by Jennifer's apparent difficulty at remembering left and right in contrast to her great skill in math, Jennifer explains that she has a learning disability and tells Melody what that means. After explaining, Jennifer is comfortable enough to allow Melody to read over and correct a letter that she has written to her pen pal. As Melody discovers several errors, Jennifer becomes embarrassed and finally blurts out her concerns that her pen pal won't want a friend with learning problems. Melody considers Jennifer's dilemma, then demonstrates that friends accept you as your are. (Jennifer, Melody)
Jennifer experiments with static electricity. She explains to Melody about the discovery of electricity and all of its wonderful uses. She then explains that she and the brilliant Thomas Edison have something in common--a learning disability. (Jennifer, Melody)
As Jennifer and Brenda eat lunch, Brenda is confused about some special homework Jennifer had to do the night before. Jennifer shares some of the learning strategies she works on in the resource room including a theatre corner. Brenda comes to understand that even though the work seems fun, for Jennifer it's still WORK. (Jennifer, Brenda)
(early elementary school audiences)
On her way home from school, Brenda is teased and called names. Jennifer consoles her and dispels the myth behind the saying, "Sticks and stones can break my bones..." Jennifer and Brenda then ask for the audience's assistance to find solutions to teasing and name calling. (Jennifer, Brenda)
NOTE: After each script, the children in the audience are given the opportunity to ask their own questions or offer suggestions directly to the puppet characters.
| The Kids on the Block, created in 1977, features life size puppets who, through the magic of live puppet theatre, teach children and adults about disabilities, medical and educational differences, and social concerns. Through the hard work and dedication of many community based groups, The Kids on the Block puppets are able to touch the lives of people all over the world. |