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Kids on the Block
-Vermont
(KOBVT)
is a non-profit volunteer organization, active in Vermont since
1982. KOBVT consists of a very special troupe of puppets who
teach children
about disabilities,
cultural diversity, children's mental health, social and safety issues,
substance abuse, healthy bodies and AIDS. The
puppets, each with
their
unique personalities, discuss the topic portrayed in a clear,
non-threatening
manner. They dispel myths through accurate information and allow
children to accept individual differences and feel positive about
themselves.
The puppetry is so powerful that audiences readily express their
feelings
and concerns to the puppets during the question and answer session that
follows each skit.
A fifty minute performance consists of:
- Elementary School: 2
skits with songs (for 75 students)
OR
- Middle/Jr. High School: 1
skit with a workshop on the same topic (for 40 Students)
Follow-up activities and resource materials are also provided.
Puppet/workshop
presentations exist on the following topics: Bullies and School Safety;
Learning Differences; Cultural Diversity; Body Image; Personal Safety;
Celebrating
Individual Differences; Making Healthy Choices Concerning Alcohol,
Tobacco and Other Drugs; and AIDS. In
addition,
KOBVT is able to design workshops specific to the needs of a particular
school.
The Following
are KOBVT Program and Skit Choices
Celebrating
Individual Differences
In each of these six
skits, a puppet with a difference interacts with a
peer who models inquisitiveness and the acceptance that comes with
knowledge.
Grades K-8
Blindness/Visual Impairments
Cerebral Palsy
Cultural Diversity
Sibling Issues
Grades 3-8
Learning Differences
Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
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Children's Mental Health
The following two
skits explore mental health issues, identify how
children
can get help, and focus on the positive attributes as well as the
challenges
associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Grades K-8
Depression
Grades 3-8
ADHD
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Social and Safety Issues
This group of puppet presentations focuses on
building a positive
self-image
by addressing personal safety and prevention skills; body image, social
interaction; and family relationships.
Grades K-8
Bullying Prevention & School Safety
Physical Abuse Prevention
Sexual Abuse Prevention
Coping with Crisis (Military Families During Wartime)
Grades K-6
Divorce
Grades 3-6
Girl/Boy Stereotypes
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Healthy Bodies
The three skits in this program address an emerging
area of concern for
children and adults alike. In an effort to promote healthy
attitudes and proctices around food, dental habits, exercise, and body
image, this topic supports best practices for healthy children of all
sizes and shapes.
Grades K-3
Healthy Snacking
Dental Care
Grades 3-8
Body Image
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Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Prevention
These age-appropriate skits help kids realize how
important it is to
keep
their bodies safe and healthy. Programs for older students also
assist
with decision making and refusal skills.
Grades K-3
Medicine Safety
Grades K-8
Tobacco Prevention
Grades 4-8
Making Healthy Choices
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AIDS
The dialog in this hour-long presentation discusses
how HIV is
transmitted,
how one can avoid contracting it, and the difference between having
AIDS
and being HIV positive.
Grades 5-8
HIV/AIDS
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