Health Topics

Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco Prevention
“Starting Over”

Suggested Grade Levels

3, 4, 5, and 6

Overview

Starting Over opens up a dialogue about the potential dangers and negative consequences of using alcohol or other drugs. It also discusses peer pressure and how kids can overcome it in order to make the right choices. The program centers around a teenage character who made some unwise choices about alcohol use in the past, but has since recovered. He is now involved in his neighborhood youth center and enjoys being a good role model for younger kids and peers.

Script Scenario

This program begins with a conversation between two teenage friends (Eric Van Aart and Joanne Spinoza), who both work on the school newspaper. Joanne asks Eric why he is no longer friends with another classmate, Paul. Eric tells Joanne that he had to end his friendship with Paul because they got into trouble using alcohol and other drugs together. An “innocent drinking game” they were involved in nearly turned deadly, motivating Eric to make big changes in his life.

Objectives

• Warn about the harmful health effects of alcohol and other drugs.
• Warn about other negative consequences of drug use.
• Teach kids ways to resist peer pressure so they can make the right choices.
• Encourage kids to reach out to trusted adults for guidance and support.

Format

This 30-minute program consists of a scripted-story puppet presentation, followed by a guided question and answer session. During the Q & A time, the puppets reinforce learning objectives and encourage children to share their questions and concerns. To extend learning and repeat key lessons, all children receive a take-home Kids on the Block bookmark imprinted with the program’s messages, and they are encouraged to write letters or emails to the puppets.

To help Kids on the Block improve our programs, teachers are asked to complete a short program evaluation form.

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