HIV/AIDS Program (temporarily not being offered) "Birdhouse"

A Kids on the Block Program

This program is targeted to students in grades 5 to 9 and appropriate for ages 10 to adult. This three-part program consists of pre-presentation information, a 40 minute interactive, life-size puppet play and follow-up activities.

Birdhouse

Featuring Natalie Gregg, a young adult who holds a job and is articulate about her condition and Joanne Spinoza, a young girl who is confused about AIDS and concerned for her friend.

Natalie is surprised to find that her young friend, Joanne has brought her an anniversary gift. It's a symbolic gift, Joanne explains, as she delivers the Birdhouse, to convince Natalie and her husband, Ray, to have a baby. When Natalie tells Jo that she isn't feeling well, Joanne relates that she's heard rumours that Natalie has AIDS. When Natalie tells her the truth, Joanne is shocked and frightened.

Natalie tells her story calmly and with great consideration for her friend. They discuss myths and misconceptions about how the AIDS virus is spread as well as facts about AIDS. In this script, Joanne learns that Natalie contracted HIV from having sex with her husband who formerly injected drugs. Natalie emphasizes openness in discussing sex, not sharing needles and the use of condoms as a means of "safer sex".

Natalie leads Joanne from fear about AIDS to an understanding about the disease. Joanne then, all on her own, chooses to be close to her friend once again.

Following the performance, the audience can ask questions directly to the puppet character, Natalie.

Pre-Presentation Activities

VOCABULARY

abstinence	condom	immune system
AIDS	homosexual	virus
antibody	HIV
body fluids	gay

BRAINSTORMING ACTIVITY
In small groups, brainstorm all the things you know about HIV/AIDS. Keep a list and then share them with others (including your parents).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Have you heard of HIV or AIDS?

2) Do you know of anyone who is HIV positive or has AIDS?

3) How would you feel if you know someone who has HIV/AIDS? (after a discussion, write a letter to this person describing your feelings)

4) If you had the opportunity to talk with someone who has AIDS, what questions would you ask? (make a list)

Post-Presentation

There are a number of follow-up activities that are included in the package.

After students have participated in the puppet performance there are a number of activities that can be done with the young people to stimulate discussion on the topic of HIV/AIDS and deepen their understanding of the problems faced by persons with HIV or AIDS.