About Windsor's Kids on the Block
The Kids on the Block is an unforgettable, interactive program that has been educating children about child abuse and basic safety since 1987. Employing puppetry, kid-sized characters come to life to address a diverse range of topics including stranger safety, emergency numbers, the four types of child abuse (physical, sexual, emotional and neglect) and understanding the difference between discipline and child abuse.
The puppets are our medium to providing factual, unbiased information in an entertaining, non-threatening, child-centred way. Through the magic of theatre, puppet characters share their own personal experiences, role play, illustrate sensitive issues and teach practical skills. Our programs are delivered in an age-appropriate context, and always provide an opportunity for questions and discussion.
Kids on the Block supports educators by providing extensively researched support materials, followup activities and guidelines to help them facilitate discussion with their students.
The Kids on the Block performs in French and English for over 120 Public, Separate, French-Language and private schools in Essex County, touching the lives of over 15,000 children annually. The program is also performed throughout the region at Community Centres and special events of all kinds. Since 1987, we have had the opportunity to touch the lives of over 100,000 children in our community. As a result of these presentations, numerous disclosures of physical and sexual abuse have been received over the years.
Windsor's Kids on the Block is an affiliate and limited licensee of The Kids on the Block Incorporated, Columbia, Maryland, USA.*
About Kids on the Block International
Kids on the Block was created by Barbara Aiello, a special education teacher from Maryland. In 1977, The Individuals with Disabilities Act mandated that children with disabilities be given the opportunity to be educated along with their non-disabled peers. When Barbara's special needs students were mainstreamed, they encountered teasing and discrimination. One student named Anthony told Barbara that he felt very alone and he didn't want to go back to school. At that moment, Barbara decided that something had to be done to educate the 'normal' kids about their new classmates. So Mark Riley was created.
From there the program grew. There are now over 40 kids who perform skits on topics ranging from disabilities, child abuse, diabetes, asthma, aging, and teen pregnancy to AIDS. There are literally thousands of Kids on the Block Programs running in over 27 countries throughout the world. The script material has been translated into dozens of languages. 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.
* © The Kids on the Block, Inc. All puppets and program materials are protected by United States and other copyright laws. Unauthorized use is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
What People Have Said About Windsor's Kids on the Block
"Abuse and safety concerns are a part of today's society and children must be provided with correct, unbiased information on how to protect themselves and how to get help. The presentation provided an objective, informative puppet re-enactment of the very sensitive concerns of safety and physical and sexual abuse." -Vice Principal
"How fortunate both Windsor and Essex County are to have such a program available to children. The awareness that these puppets and Kids on the Block Volunteers have given to thousands of children is of major importance in their lives." -Child and Family Worker
"The show was powerful. My teachers were talking about it for days afterwards." -Principal
"I was happy when Stephen's mom stopped hurting him. I wish people didn't do that stuff." -Grade 2 Student
"I was amazed at how well my students responded to the puppets." -Grade 3 Teacher
"Today I learned all about abuse. I enjoyed the plays. I know it is okay to say "NO" if somebody tries to touch me where they're not supposed to." -Grade 3 Student
"We have never talked about this subject in my class before. I'm glad we did, as I learned things about some of my students that I didn't know. Thank you to the Child Abuse Council for opening my eyes." -Grade 4 Teacher
"I wish I was a puppet." -Grade 1 Student
"If we all stopped hitting each other, abuse would just stop." -Grade 2 Student