Assistance League's "The Kids on the Block" Return to the Stage!

Concord CA

24 May, 2022

10:16 AM

Description

In 1977, The Kids on the Block, an internationally acclaimed puppet show, made its debut in response to the Mainstream Law, which required that children with disabilities be educated in the least restrictive environment. Since 1985, the Kids on the Block, one of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley's 16 hands-on philanthropic programs, have addressed 40 different, well researched, thoroughly field-tested and expertly written scripts that confront such issues as physical challenges, learning differences and social concerns. From its inception, dedicated member volunteers have studied the puppet show genre, known as Bunraku, which recommends that the puppeteers wear black attire. As they blend into the dark background, the Kids on the Block come to life. Thousands of schoolchildren in Contra Costa County have watched Mark deal with his physical challenges, have learned how Renaldo copes with blindness, have gained a better understanding of Jennifer's learning differences, and have nodded in agreement when Brenda shared that her parents' divorce is a "grown up" problem. Music has enhanced the themes with such songs as Stop, Drop and Roll, to help teach fire prevention, and the all-time favorite, Kids are Different, to celebrate the fact that…they don't even look the same. Some kids speak different languages,…all have a different name. Delivered with a balance of humor and compassion, the performances do not discount the serious message that the Kids on the Block impart. Every Kids performance concludes with a Question and Answer component. As in pre-Covid years, the schoolchildren have found the Kids quite approachable and, therefore, consult them directly. As the curtain falls, they return to their classes with a better sense of self-awareness. The Kids' on the Block impact is largely due to the generosity of community and corporate support. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley's 16 philanthropic programs which are funded by its thrift shop in Lafayette, please visit this website: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.