Return to KOTB Home Page Joanne is practicing for cheerleading tryouts, when Valerie appears. Since Valerie has spina bifida and uses braces and crutches, Joanne assumes she must be in the wrong place. Valerie takes the time before tryouts to clear up the confusion by explaining spina bifida to Joanne. (Valerie, Joanne)
Joanne has decided to write an article in the school newspaper about Valerie and the cheerleading squad. When Joanne shares her article with Valerie, Val is less than thrilled by some of the words Joanne has chosen. Together Valerie and Joanne discuss stereotypes, words that hurt and how the news media can misrepresent people with disabilities. (Valerie, Joanne)
Joanne is at Valerie's house. She is spending the night before going to Valerie's wheelchair basketball game. Joanne is very excited until she learns that Phillip, a boy she has a crush on, will be at the game as well. When Joanne declares that Phillip would notice her if only she looked like the models in fashion magazines, Valerie is surprised. Valerie attempts to confront Joanne's negative body image with some facts about society's narrow definition of "pretty." (Valerie, Joanne)
Joanne is surprised that Valerie has asked a boy to be her date at the school dance instead of waiting to be asked. With Valerie's help, Joanne begins to understand that opportunities don't always present themselves; sometimes one must look for them. (Valerie, Joanne)
NOTE: After each script the children in the audience are given the opportunity to ask questions 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. |