Regular Features...
Kids on the Block...and Around the World
Meet Some of the Kids on the
Block
|
Daniel Cole
The Kids on the Block... and Around the WorldNASHVILLE--Tennessee The Kids on The Block (KOB) of Middle Tennessee has found a way not only to educate children in their community about differences, but also help them to learn a second language. Due to the increase of Spanish-speaking individuals in the metropolitan Nashville area, English Language Learner (ELL) classes have been implemented in area schools. The classes are designed to teach English as a second language to Spanish-speaking children. Since ELL classes were designed to help children with school success, they were limited to the school year. The Kids on the Block of Middle Tennessee decided to create a summer enrichment program to help children learn English as a second language. St. Edwards Catholic Church, a local church situated in a largely Hispanic populated area, agreed to become a community partner with the KOB troupe. St. Edwards provided the facility and helped spread the word about the program that would meet twice a week for five weeks. KOB of Middle Tennessee performed several different disability-related scripts as well as material from the KOB programs on Gangs, Violence and Prejudice and Multiculturalism over the course of the program. The scripts were performed in English. To ensure effective communication, plot summaries were provided in Spanish. Follow-up discussions were conducted in English to reinforce language skills. Also, during the question and answer portion of the program, children were able to ask their questions in either Spanish or English. ANYTOWN--Anywhere The Kids on the Block of Anytown has been using KOB puppets to educate children for quite a few years. Their main focus is on social issues, and they perform scripts from a variety of programs including Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD), Child of Divorced Parents, Sexual Abuse and Bullies and School Safety. Typically, their coordinator schedules the performances, discusses specifics about the show with the school and assigns puppeteers. The puppeteers prepare by memorizing scripts and practicing. On show days, they meet, load puppets, props and a stage into a car and head for the school. They arrive, find out where they will perform and then set up. The wide-eyed children enter. Scripts are performed and questions are asked. The show ends with applause and bows. But not so very long ago, one KOB of Anytown performance was somewhat different. Puppeteers Kim and Michael (name changes have been made to protect confidentiality) were asked to perform several scripts, including “Starting Over” from the ATOD program, for a local school. The day started out like any other show day, but little did Kim and Michael know that after their normal arrival and set-up, the show would take a slightly different turn. It was during the question and answer portion of “Starting Over” that a child in the audience stated to the puppet character Eric, “Sometimes my mom gets drunk and hits me.” Because this child disclosed information to Eric concerning possible abuse, the performance immediately needed to be altered to fit the situation that was unfolding. As the puppeteer who was performing Eric, Michael knew this was the only time his character was to directly speak with a child in the audience. Eric repeated the child's statement, and then asked, “Have you told anyone else about it?” The child answered, “ No.” At this point, Eric stated to the child, “It was probably really hard for you to tell me about your mom, but it's good to talk to someone about it. It can be kinda scary at first to talk about it with someone, but that's the best way to get help. And there are lots of adults you could talk to. Like the school counselor or your teacher or even the principal.” The performance continued and ended as usual, but that wasn't the end of the situation. Because the disclosure was made to Michael's puppet character, Michael needed to be the one who filed a report with Child Protective Services (CPS). Directly after the performance, Michael met with the school's principal and counselor to discuss what took place. But in order to file a report with CPS concerning possible abuse, more details were needed. A meeting was immediately arranged where Michael met with the child while the school counselor was present. This was the challenging part, because Michael knew that it was imperative that he not ask any questions that would lead the child into answering in any certain way. Whatever information he obtained, must be given freely by the child. Michael said to the child, “You told my friend Eric that your mom gets drunk and hits you. Do you want to tell me anything about that?” Fortunately, the child talked to Michael and told him more about the situation. Michael was now able to contact CPS and file a report. This was a challenging situation, but Michael knew that the laws in his state mandated that as a person who educates children, it was his responsibility to report suspected abuse. He tried to contact CPS several times to follow up on the status of the report, but was told it was confidential. Michael says, “I'm glad I was able to help that child talk about what was happening, and I hope CPS was able to provide the necessary services to help.” Editor's note: Many KOB troupes have or will experience a similar situation during a performance. As educators, the puppeteers in your organization need to be commited to addresssing not only the questions of children, but also their concerns and needs. It's important that your organization and puppeteers know of and understand the protocol that is to be followed if a child discloses information concerning possible abuse or neglect. For general information pertaining to child abuse or neglect, or to receive information concerning the laws, regulations and statutes in your area, contact your local Child Protective Service agency, your local law enforcement agency or call the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information at 800-394-3366.
|
Last changed:
|