Locally-Created

“Powerful Puppetry” Programs

Be Smart and Safe around Dogs

Suggested Grade Levels

K, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Overview

The Portland area is known for our love of dogs. In fact, in fall 2006, Dog Fancy Magazine voted us the “Number 1 all-around best city for dogs in America.” According to the magazine, within the city limits alone, there are over 136,000 dogs and 33 parks with off-leash areas. Surrounding communities generally have just as many dog lovers and plentiful parks. Children play nearby in these dog parks or in their neighborhoods, so they are constantly coming into contact with dogs. Dogs and people (especially kids) have a natural affection for one another, but sometimes children don’t know how to safely play with our furry friends and bites do occur.

By the 12th grade, 46% of children report having been bitten by a dog. The majority of bites happen to kids between the ages of 5 and 9, with familiar dogs, during playtime when no adults are present (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Dogs are friendly most of the time, but any dog – young or old, big or small, our own pet, or a neighbor’s, or a stray – can bite if it’s scared, hurt, or feels teased. The good news is that most bites can be prevented if we know when and how to approach a dog and when to leave it alone. For these reasons, Kids on the Block and our friends at DoveLewis wanted to teach kids how to safely interact with dogs, especially if no adults are around to help them.

Script Scenario

This program features two 9-year old friends, Emma and Carlos. The kids are supposed to be on their way to school, but Emma is afraid to leave the house because a neighbor’s dog recently bit her. Emma is upset because she has always loved dogs and she was trying to help “Alfie” after he was injured. Emma and Carlos talk about how dogs communicate with us, why they bite, and what Emma could do in the future to avoid another dog bite. She works through her fear and is soon ready to enjoy dogs again, putting her new knowledge into practice. This show is informative, but also humorous and entertaining.

Objectives

• Why and when dogs are likely to bite, e.g. if they are startled, feel threatened, frustrated, or that their space is being invaded, such as when the animal is eating, sleeping, is sick or injured, on a chain/in an enclosed area, or if someone is teasing it.
• That every dog is capable of biting, given the above conditions, even a family pet or familiar dog.
• How to safely approach and play with a dog (e.g. slowly, quietly, only after the owner has given permission and the dog has sniffed the child’s loosely closed fist, etc.).
• What to do if an animal does become aggressive; and
• That dogs are important in our lives and are usually friendly, so there is no need to be afraid, just aware.

Format

This 30-minute program consists of a scripted puppet presentation, followed by a guided question and answer (Q & A) time when the puppets reinforce learning objectives and encourage children to share their questions and concerns. (We have a special surprise during this show, so don’t tell your students! As part of the Q & A time, DoveLewis’ Animal Assisted Therapy and Education (DLAATE) Program will bring real dogs on-stage to show kids firsthand how to interact with a dog.) To extend learning and repeat key lessons, all children receive a Kids on the Block bookmark with the program’s messages, and they are encouraged to write letters or emails to the puppets. Prior to the performance, teachers receive a resource packet with information and activities related to the topic, and a way to contact Kids on the Block staff for additional guidance. To help Kids on the Block improve our programs, teachers are asked to complete a short program evaluation form as well.

PARENTS & TEACHERS: HERE ARE SOME MORE FACTS  & WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BITTEN BY AN ANIMAL.

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