Sensitivity to the disabled
Students are given the opportunity discuss with and ask all the questions they want with one of many disabled students on campus in a safe and open environment. 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. How are kids learning from this program?
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. How are kids learning from this program?
Kid Heroes
Visitors to the Kid Heroes room will look at kid heroes their age, listen to inspirational stories of young heroes, collaborate with classmates on who can be called a hero, and ultimately to see the heroes within.
Aspiration to college
Our unique Aspiration to College program, allows the at-risk elementary and middle school aged youth to visit The College of New Jersey campus and receive personal tours with their college student mentors. For many of these youth, it is the only opportunity they have to walk around a college campus and become aware of the educational opportunities available to them. They are taught that: 1) just because they do not have any family members who have graduated from college, or 2) even though they feel they won’t be able to afford college, in reality, the number one barrier preventing them from attending college and receiving a higher education is …..themselves. The college students stress how the opportunities for them are endless as long as they keep the right attitude and strive for the best.
[pl_button type=”kidsbridge” link=”https://kidsbridgecenter.org/tolerance-museum/exhibits-elementary/”]See our elementary school exhibits[/pl_button]
Educator observations on student behavior after a visit to the museum
“I have never seen my students so engaged, calm and focused. The interactions with both the Kidsbridge staff and their own classmates have been so positive. This trip will be a wonderful memory for them and they are learning skills here today that will last a lifetime.” — 2nd grade teacher, Paul Robeson Elementary
“I truly believe that the Kidsbridge Museum plays an important role in our community. All of my students take away new information when they visited and we actually implement what they learned once back in the classroom. This is a wonderful program!” — 3rd grade teacher, Washington Elementary School
“I thought the small group activities were well organized and gave the students great opportunities to share information. Having the students move from station to station was great for this age level as well. I think the stereotype and disabilities stations gave the students some ways of looking and reacting to differences in a positive way.” –4th grade teacher, Millstone Twp Elementary
“I really liked the Persons With Differing Abilities station, which had the students put themselves in other’s shoes. The presentation and discussions allowed my students to be empathetic and made them think. My guess is that they’ll think twice before making fun of someone with a disability in the future.” –3rd grade teacher, PCSST
“We like to use the puppets for problem-solving when we’re back in the classroom. After visiting the Museum we have the vocabulary necessary to discuss these issues, and the role-playing seems to deflect some of the hurt our students can feel at this age.” –4th grade teacher, Johnson Park Elementary