New Programs in the Kidsbridge Tolerance Museum
at the College of New Jersey

SENSITIVITY TO THE DISABLED

A college student from TCNJ who lost his sight at as a child talks to the kids about the trauma of losing his eyesight and the challenges it brings.  With an outstanding sense of humor, he will demonstrate how technology makes his life easier.

This is just one of the persons with disabilities that come to chat with classes. Students are given the opportunity to ask all the questions they want. Kids are asked to do exercises with their eyes closed and can’t escape the hour without absorbing some sensitivity and admiration for those with disabilities.  A college student with a hearing disability is also available – schedule permitting.

To read how kids are learning from this program, click here.

PUPPETMAKING AND SKITS

During their visit to the museum, students will explore the themes of the museum through puppetry.  This activity will be introduced by a brief presentation on diversity appreciation.  Then, guided by an experienced puppeteer, students will make stick puppets.  Students will then work in small groups of three or four to plan a short presentation to the group.  Students will base their presentations on characters, events or themes that they have seen at the museum. 

Presentations may be serious or lighthearted.  They may focus on strategies for resolving problems or simply express students’ feelings.  Creating artwork and theatre provides students another tool through which to reflect upon the material that they have seen and heard.  Students will perform their pieces to the larger group in a small puppet theatre.  The puppets they make are theirs to take home.

To read what kids are learning from this program, click here.

PEER to PEER LEADERSHIP TRAINING
in tolerance, diversity appreciation and character education

The Kidsbridge Peer to Peer Leadership Training program trains middle schoolers (i.e. sixth, seventh and eighth) how to be docents at the Kidsbridge museum of tolerance. Middle schoolers are assigned (or self-select) one of the Kidsbridge exhibits: name calling, bystander behavior, the history of discrimination in this country, sensitivity to the disabled, stereotypes, self-esteem, “Make good choices” computer lab, etc. and are trained to be experts on that exhibit.  Then, as docents, the students teach their peers or upper elementary students assembled in small groups in the museum.

Click here for more information on the Kidsbridge middle school leadership program.