Kids on the Block, a program of Parents Helping Parents, is a troupe of puppets that talk to real children with humor, candor and sensitivity about topics surrounding disability awareness, social concerns, educational differences and medical issues. Presentations can be for small groups, school assemblies or community events. Each performances is about 45 minutes in length and is interactive – students can ask the puppets questions. Follow-up activities are available. A tax deductible donation is requested.

AIDS & HIV
For early elementary school children (grades 1 – 3), Let’s Talk About Viruses provides children with information on the spread of germs, the immune system, how to stay healthy, and a definition of AIDS. As the children enter late elementary/early middle school and begin to learn more about their bodies, Birdhouse can be used within a health education curriculum to discuss transmission of the AIDS virus, the problems associated with drug use, healthy choices concerning sex, and “safer sex”. The script Living with AIDS is designed to help audiences gain a better understanding of the progression of HIV infection while exploring the personal struggles of one woman living with AIDS. Several myths about the disease are also discussed.

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
As students begin entering adolescence (grades 4 – 6) and are faced with choices regarding illegal susbstances, Starting Over can be used to focus on the effects of gateway drugs, especially alcohol, information on the legality of alcohol and drugs, and the consequences of using alcohol and other drugs. The script Making the Right Choices is designed to assist student with problem solving skills and learning how to avoid situations where peer pressure may be difficult to resist. The final script for older audiences, Helping a Friend, explores why a person may choose to use substances, where to go for help, and alternatives to drug use. For early elementary school children (grades 1 – 3), the script Up In Smoke helps children learn about tobacco and its negative effects on the body. It’s Only Medicine provides information about what drugs are and what they do to the body, the differences between illegal drugs and medicines, and the importance of general health.

Autism
“What A Hunk!”, Brenda exclaims after seeing David at his house with her binoculars. When she meets David and realizes that he is different from what she expected, she asks his younger brother Eddy to help her understand more about autism. As David has a Temper Tantrum, Eddy talks about behavior modification, and the myths and misconceptions of autism. Sorting Socks shows that David has valuable skills that he can use in the “real world” and how reinforcers help the teaching process.

Bullies and School Safety
The script You’re Not the Boss of Me! examines a bullying situation and explores ways the child being bullied can address the problem. Safe At School explores school safety plans and how kids may be involved in the development and implementation of such a plan. You’re Not the Boss of Me! and Safe At School are appropriate for older elementary school audiences (grades 3 – 6). The final script, Rescue or Report, addresses ways in which children who witness teasing or bullying behavior can respond to help diffuse the situation and may be used with K through 6th grade audiences.

Cerebral Palsy
These five scripts deal with various aspects of cerebral palsy and wheelchair use which may be used effectively with children in grades 1-5. In the script New Friends, Melody meets Mark for the first time. Melody and the children in the audience learn what having cerebral palsy means for Mark. Carrot Top examines what can happen when people treat those with disabilities differently from those without disabilities. In Bionic Legs, Brenda is concerned that Mark is not spending enough time searching for a cure. Ellen Jane learns how to overcome communication barriers in School Reporter. And Block-A-Thon looks at how telethons, although a good cause, can often perpetuate myths about disabilities.

Child of Divorced Parents
Brenda was troubled by getting Double Everything as her parents were competing for her affection. Caught In The Middle Part I explains how divorce is an adult problem that Brenda did not cause nor can she fix. Caught In The Middle Part II shows Brenda's concern because her parents do not want to talk to each other but want to know what each other is doing. Brenda’s dad plans lots of great activities to do on their weekends together but Brenda would rather have some home and dad time in Nothing Doing.

Children’s Mental Health/ADHD/Problem Solving
Counseling Game, intended for grades four through six, defines mental health, provides information about symptoms of depression, and introduces available services for families in need of help. What’s the Problem? and Feelings Are Important! are most effective with students in the first through third grades. These scripts introduce children to problem solving skills and give them a better understanding of their feelings. The scripts Career Day and Shhhhh!!! are appropriate for grades three through five, and are designed to educate children about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in a sensitive, entertaining way. The Kids on the Block strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance where differences between people are acknowledged and similarities are emphasized.

Deafness
In The Disappearance of Buttons Penny learns about Mandy and how she communicates. Mandy speaks throughout The Princess and the Queen and signs only during the last half as Brenda learns about Mandy being deaf, reading lips, sign language, and hearing aids. The audience gets to learn some signs as Carol and Mandy bake some Peanut Butter Cookies for Brenda’s birthday party. Mandy, aka Caspar the Friendly (Signing) Ghost, got food for Halloween and shows Penny more signs.

Diabetes
The script Safety Patrol explains diabetes and stresses the importance of planning activities properly. The Case of the Swiped Sandwich addresses the importance for people with diabetes to eat snacks before participating in strenuous activities. Insulin Shot explores how for Christine, who has diabetes, giving herself an injection is “no big deal”. Hot Fudge Sundaes examines alternative choices kids can make in order to include a friend with diabetes at birthday parties and other functions. These scripts are intended for children in third through sixth grade.

Down Syndrome
Ellen Jane has a job coach to help her At The Vet’s with learning her veterinarian assistant skills. Ellen Jane’s pet snake in Who’s George brings up the discussion about some kids’ fears of being with someone who is different. When Ellen Jane has trouble putting the Measuring Cups away, Renaldo helps her with the color coded system. Brenda wants to order for Ellen Jane while they are Out For Pizza but Ellen Jane wants to show her independence.

Emotional and Behavioral Disorder
Mel tries to look past Jimmy’s strange and inappropriate behavior in Pig Slop, and asks him about his counseling sessions after school. Blue Ribbon explains how Jimmy receives rewards for appropriate behavior as he is included in a regular class. Jimmy plays Robin Hood, taking from the students and then giving “presents,” to impress and make friends. “Do It Again, Jimmy!” shows how reinforcing the positive things Jimmy does helps him understand good behavior.

Epilepsy
Caesar’s Seizures defines epilepsy and examines some other issues surrounding seizure disorders, including learning disabilities. Brian Has a Seizure demonstrates seizure first aid procedures and emphasizes the importance of supportive and open friendships. The script The Law of the Band examines issues of discrimination and fairness. These scripts are most appropriate for children in grades three through six. Playin’ It Safe is designed to provide children in kindergarten through second grade with a basic understanding of seizures and some safety precautions that are important for children with and without epilepsy.

Fire Safety
How Fires Get Started points out that everyone needs to be aware of fire hazards in the home and how important a fire hydrant can be. Playing With Fire explains what to do in case of a grease fire. What to Do In Case of Fire shows a role play of escaping from a burning building and has the Stop, Drop and Roll song for the children to learn. In Sherlock “Homes” – Smoke Detector, the use and care of smoke detectors are discussed.

Gang Violence and Prejudice
The scripts Alarm Bell, Food for Thought, and True Colors are very effective with grades four through six. Shake It Up and Guessing Game may be used for grades three through five. As students begin entering adolescence and are faced with choices regarding friends and activities, Alarm Bell can be used to focus on the consequences of gang involvement. Food for Thought is designed to assist students with self-esteem issues and to get them to think about the importance of positive adult role-models. Shake It Up explores conflict resolution and how choosing to “solve” a problem with violence will only make a bad situation worse. Guessing Game and True Colors examine the issues of racial prejudice and stereotyping and how prejudicial thinking can have a negative impact on friendships.

Learning Disabilities
Jennifer explains her learning disability in Tutor Pals but is still afraid people will not like her. Zap! It’s Electricity lets children know that Thomas Edison had problems learning. In Lunchtime, Jennifer explains the differences and similarities of mental retardation and a learning disability.

Multiculturalism
Nam feels like two different persons – an American at school and a Vietnamese at home in Different Worlds. Nam explains that Vietnamese Names are written with the last name first, and being teased and grouped with other Asian cultures hurts his feelings. Nam’s Birthday Sign starts a conversation on birthdays, but when Stephen makes fun of the Vietnamese language Nam explains the different sounds.

Combating Childhood Obesity and Overweight
The script Choosing a Healthier You examines some of the consequences of being overweight and how small changes can lead to improved health. Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something! explores the importance of being physically active and finding creative ways to work activity into one’s daily routine. What Are You Thinking? looks at setting realistic goals. There is a K – 2 and 3 – 5/6th grade version of the script A Course in Obstacles, which addresses ways children might get around common barriers to good health.

Pediatric Hospice (cancer and bereavement)
Little League Blues explains what a home hospice program is and how it is helping Kenny and his family with his cancer. Myths About Death have Brenda’s parents trying to “protect her from death,” while Brenda really wants to visit her friend, Kenny. The home hospice nurse helps facilitate open and honest conversations about death. Keith, Kenny’s brother, finds out in Bag It! that Kenny really does not want all the presents, he wants to do regular family things. Saying Good-bye talks about bereavement, helping the children with their grief, and encourages them in their memories.

Physical Abuse
This program is intended for children grades three through six and consists of four scripts which focus on different aspects of physical abuse. The script Open House explains about how “regular” moms and dads can sometimes hurt their kids. Keep Telling emphasizes the importance of disclosing abuse. Hotline explains what abuse is and is not and addresses the confusion some kids have about it. Working On It examines how, even when a family is receiving help, recovery is ongoing and it’s still difficult sometimes.

Severe Burns
Monster Mask and Spiderman Suit explains the pressure mask and suit that Lynne wears and how Melody will not let her get teased at school. I Feel Pretty talks about plastic surgery and society’s attitude toward looks and beauty. Roller Rehab lets Melody see Lynne without her pressure mask or suit. They talk about her healing process and the rehab she is doing for her hands.

Sexual Abuse
Simon Sez “NO!!!!!” focuses on tricks that abusive adults might use and is appropriate for elementary/primary school audiences, while the remaining two scripts focus on Joanne's experience and are most appropriate for older elementary/primary audiences. Between Friends points out that sexual abuse is not your fault, don’t believe the threats, and you should tell someone about it. Learning How To Tell shows children how to persist in telling when obstacles are put in their way.

Siblings with Disabilities
Paper Airplanes switches the twins Mark and Michael and this prompts Michael to “learn” about accommodations of a sibling's special needs. Michael Darling shows classic sibling rivalry and a family plan to talk about parental attention. Better Late Than Never talks about compromising on issues.

Visual Impairment
Brenda meets Renaldo and learns about a braille watch, beeper ball and the Secret Code of braille that he uses for reading and writing. Renaldo explains that he does not have Super Ears, he just uses them more. The children think Renaldo can not go camping but in Campers he discusses how he overcomes each obstacle. Renaldo is getting stereotyped as a blind Music Man, and he tells the children of the many different jobs blind people can hold.

The Kids on the Block Early Learning Series Video
This entertaining educational video curriculum (to rent) includes a discussion guide and follow-up activities to help pre-school children learn some important lessons: Aggression – Along with Suzette and Todd, children learn how to problem solve and manage anger through “freeze, breathe, 1-2-3”. Compassion – Mai and Miguel demonstrate compassion for animals and caring attitudes towards others. Children also receive information about good health habits. Perseverance – Everyone needs time to “learn how” and, as Suzette demonstrates, practice can turn her “I can’t” into “I CAN”. Children receive a self-esteem building message of having confidence in one’s abilities.