New Programs: On Autism - David Franklin is a 15 year old boy with autism, who for the most part is non-verbal. David behaves autistically in each story. A younger brother named Eddy talks openly about autism and shares his feelings as he explains it to his new neighbor Joanne. Eddy's response shows children that a patient spirit can encourage family calm and understanding. Our theme for this program is accept, understand and care. Scripts include:
What a Hunk! Joanne sees that her new neighbors are boys her age. She decides to deliver cookies to the Franklins so she can meet the older brother face to face. After meeting David and realizing he is different than what she expected, she asks his brother Eddy to help her understand more about autism.
Temper Tantrum When Joanne brings cookies to the Franklin's house, she shares them with Eddy and his autistic brother. David becomes excited and lunges for everyone's cookies. Eddy intervenes, emphasizing that they cannot allow David to have a tantrum. Eddy explains autism and behavior modification to Joanne.
Sorting Socks Joanne stops by Eddy's house and is excited to show off the bag of socks she has gathered for the local community center. She spills them and Eddy uses the opportunity to show her, that even though his brother David has autism, he still has valuable skills he can use in the "real world". He also discusses the way David is taught at school and how that teaching is reinforced by parents and siblings at home.
On Aging - "You Should Live So Long!" Learning About Strokes Mike returns home from basketball camp to find his grandma, whom he calls "Nata", using a walker. He doesn't understand what has happened to her. She tells Mike what a stroke is and explains how it has affected her.
Polly (Age is a matter of individual perspective) A 79 year old man named Pete and Mike meet at the bus stop. Pete is going to visit his friend Polly, who is Mike's grandmother Nata. As they ride together, they compare the same aging person they are going to visit. Pete's perspective is that she is an active lady while Mike sees her as just sitting around getting old. Pete and Nata help Mike understand aging.
The Way It Was (Myths about Youth / Respect) Mike is given an assignment to write a story about a person who has an interesting life. He writes his paper at his grandmother's apartment. Forgetting Mike is in the kitchen, Pete and Nata talk about their lives. They also talk about young people and realize that although they are upset when they hear stereotypes about the elderly, they themselves have stereotypes about youth.
Safety on the Go
Fun on Wheels: Mel and Brenda examine safety strategies for riding recreational vehicles including bikes, skateboard, inline skates and scooter. Talk the Walk: While Brenda is waiting for Melody, she sees people breaking the pedestrian safety rules. When Melody arrives she explains the importance of pedestrian safety.
"BUS" TED Rules: Brenda helps Melody learn the rules of waiting for the bus, riding on the bus, and getting off the bus. Melody keeps getting busted because she's breaking the safety rules.
ROAD SKILLS: Excited about their trip to Melody's aunts house, the girls talk about appropriate passenger behavior in an automobile, including seat belts, safe toys, and driver distractions.