Disability Awareness Topics

Understanding Learning Disabilities
“Tutor Pals”

Suggested Grade Level

1, 2, and 3

Overview

Told from the perspective of a child (11-year-old Jennifer Hauser) with a learning “difference,” this program teaches kids what it is like to have a disability. Jennifer talks with her friend, Melody James, about her visual perception problem and how it affects her life.

Script Scenario

Jennifer asks Melody to read over and correct a letter she has written to her pen pal. As Melody discovers several errors, Jennifer’s embarrassment grows. Finally Jennifer blurts out her fears that her pen pal will not want a friend with learning disabilities. Melody sympathizes with Jennifer’s concern, but then explains that true friends accept you as you are.

Objectives

• Describe different types of learning disabilities.
• Promote understanding and acceptance of persons with a learning or other difference.
• Stress that friendship transcends physical and other differences.

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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