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BrainMinders Script

Authors:

Lisa Palmquist

Beth Copeland

Judy Langley

Copyright: Pilot Club International, 2017

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BrainMinders™

Table of Contents Page Topic Characters & Props Time (min) Grades

2 Instructions for use

3 Introduction to Program Wise Old Owl 1:10 All

4 Personal Fitness Captain Kitty 2:00 All

6 Bus Safety Diego Dalmatian 2:00 P-2

8 Furniture Tipping Martin Monkey 2:00 P-2

10 Playground Surface and Rules Martin Monkey 0:40 P-2

11 Seat belt, booster seat Penny Panda 1:20 P-5

12 Button Batteries Penny Panda 1:10 P-5

13 Concussions in sports Brave Bob Beagle 2:20 P-5

15 Electrical Outlets Diego Dalmatian 1:20 P-5

16 Emergency 911 Tulip Pig 0:40 P-5

17 Farm Animals Brave Bob Beagle 2:00 P-5

19 Fire Safety Diego Dalmatian 2:20 P-5

21 Gun Safety Brave Bob Beagle 1:40 P-5

23 Helmet Safety: bike, skates,

skateboard, scooter, horse Gerald Giraffe 1:30 P-5

25 PFD Captain Kitty, PFD for

Wise Old Owl 1:10 P-5

26 Poison: medications,

cleaning products

Tulip Pig (two bottles of

liquid that look alike.) 2:00 P-5

28 Stranger Danger Fiona Fox 1:50 P-5

30 Street Wise & Cell Phone Use Fiona Fox 1:00 P-5

32 Swimming Smart Danny Deep 1:50 P-5

34 ATV Gerald Giraffe 1:30 3-5

35 Horseback Riding Hero Horse, Gerald Giraffe 1:10 3-5

36 Kitchen Safety: knives,

hot stove Tulip Pig 1:20 3-5

38 Trampoline Safety Gerald Giraffe 1:20 3-5

39 Winter Fun Penny Panda 1:50 3-5

41 Bullying Snippet Charlie Chicken 1:40 3-5

43 Bullying Full Script (can stand alone)

Charlie Chicken, Bully Bulldog,

Gerald Giraffe 5:00 3-5

47 Conclusion All Characters Used 1:00 All

BrainMinders™

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Using These Snippets

This script is designed to be flexible to accommodate the multiple needs of diverse groups.

Each snippet can stand alone following the Introduction by Wise Old Owl. The snippet on

personal fitness should be presented second. The last snippet should be the Conclusion by Wise

Old Owl and all puppets used. Select the lines for each of the snippets you used.

After discussion with the leader of your audience group, select the snippets most

appropriate to the group interests and interest span of the children. Younger groups will need a

shorter presentation than older groups. Children between 3 and 5 will need a presentation no

longer than 10 to 12 minutes. Children ages 6-8 can understand 12 - 14 minutes. Older children

can handle 15-20 minutes. Some older groups may wish to handle the puppets while adults read

the script.

The Table of Contents contains information on which puppets and props are needed and the

approximate length of time for the presentation. The Wise Old Owl appears in all snippets. The

number of snippets presented can be determined by the desired length of time. When planning

the program, a tablet or laptop can be used to individualize each program by copying and pasting

the appropriate snippets into a new document. This becomes the script for the presentation.

Alternately, one may print the entire script as presented. Print each snippet on a separate page.

File these in a three-ring notebook for easy reference. For a specific program, select the

appropriate snippets and arrange them in the notebook in the order of the desired presentation.

After selecting the desired snippets, determine the sequence of presentation. It is helpful

to place snippets by the same character together. Some modifications may need to be made in

the introduction of a new topic for a smooth transition. The program can be presented entirely by

two people with the exception of the Bullying full script, which needs one more person.

The following items are available for purchase through The Pilot Store, which can be

found on the Pilot website: Puppets, BrainMinder Patches/Buttons for Puppets, Puppet Stage,

BrainMinder Banner, and BrainMinder T-shirts (to wear during your presentations). Additionally,

you can find directions for making your own puppet stage through these links:

https://hummingbirdplaypuppets.wordpress.com/projects/portable-puppet-theater/

http://www.kidskountpublishing.com/we-content/uploads/2013/01/Directions-for-Building-

Portable-Stage.pdf?ac2768

http://jessejoyner.com/build-portable-puppet-theatre/

http://cutesycrafts.com/2013/08/pvc-puppet-theatre-tutorial.html

http://www.puppetspace.com/2011/09/pvc-stage.html

(10/08/16 EAC)

Snippet: Introduction to Program

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Puppets: Wise Old Owl

Wise Old Owl: Good (morning/afternoon/evening), boys

and girls! My name is Wise Old Owl and I brought some

very special friends today to help us learn how to protect our

brains. [(use this for primary grades only.) If you know where your

brain is, point to it. (pause) Yes, excellent!] Your brain is

inside your head and for extra protection it is covered by a

hard bone called your skull, but your brain can move inside

the skull like the yellow part of a raw egg can move inside

the shell. If you shake a raw egg, what do you get? (pause) a

scrambled egg! I know you don’t want your brain to be a

scrambled egg. (pause for laughter) This means that your brain

can get hurt on the inside when it does not look like it’s hurt

on the outside. If you fall or get hit with something, your

brain can get bruised or even bleed if your brain hits your

skull hard enough. My friends, the BrainMinder Buddies,

are here today to help us learn to play safe and play smart.

(extension/option: show the children a raw egg and discuss how

the shell protects it; then break open the egg and show the children

how the yolk can move inside the shell)

(10/2/2016 LMP)

Snippet: Personal Fitness

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Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Captain Kitty

Wise Old Owl: Welcome, Captain Kitty! Have you been

riding in your boat lately?

Captain Kitty: Hi, Wise Old Owl! Meowww! Well, yes, I

just came from the boat dock and see . . . I’m wearing my

personal flotation device…er…my life jacket, of course!

Wise Old Owl: Great, so what are you up to today?

Captain Kitty: Well, I am starting an exercise class. I

know how important it is to be physically fit. Good exercise

helps you feel better, stay well, and look better too!

Exercise is really good for your brain. It helps you think

better! Meowww!

Wise Old Owl: But I fly around all the time. You mean I

need to do MORE exercise?

Captain Kitty: Absolutely! Come over here by me and I

will lead you in some exercises. Alright, boys and girls,

Stand up and join us.

Wise Old Owl: (moves beside Captain Kitty) Okay! I’m ready!

Captain Kitty: (Captain Kitty leads and Wise Old Owl joins her in

doing these exercises.)

Stretch up high. (pause)

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Now reach down low and touch your toes. (pause)

Let’s do that five times. Up high. Down low. Up high.

Down low. Up high. Down low. Up high. Down low. Up

high. Down low.

Now jump up and down 5 times with me. One. Two.

Three. Four. Five. (Owl continues to jump and count to 7-8. Kitty

stops him.) Stop, Wise Old Owl. I said five times!

Wise Old Owl: I’m sorry.

Captain Kitty: Now turn around three times, one, two,

three. (pause)

And now everyone can sit down. (pause)

Wise Old Owl: Hey, Captain Kitty, that was great! I feel

like I have more energy to fly and play and I can think better

too. Thanks so much!

Captain Kitty: You are welcome, Wise Old Owl. I hope

these boys and girls will exercise every day. Running and

playing at recess counts as exercise too! There are lots of

ways to exercise. Well, these boys and girls have a safety

lesson to learn, and I must go lead my exercise class! See

you later!

Wise Old Owl: Bye, Captain Kitty! (12/07/2016 JFL)

Snippet: Bus Safety

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Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Diego Dalmatian

Wise Old Owl: Raise your hand if you ride the bus to

school. (pause) Great! My good friend, Diego Dalmatian, is

here to share some important bus safety tips.

Diego Dalmatian: Hola, Wise Old Owl! I see we have

some bus riders with us today. Boys and girls, raise your

hand if you should stand on the bus when the bus is moving.

(pause) Raise both of your hands if you should be sitting on

your bottom in the bus seat when the bus is moving. (Pause,

watch for correct response.)

Wise Old Owl: Diego, I believe the boys and girls have this

one!

Diego Dalmatian: Si, Si! When the bus is moving,

everyone should be sitting in their seats.

Wise Old Owl: Diego, a school bus went by the other day

and the children were hanging out of the windows yelling at

the people walking on the sidewalk.

Diego Dalmatian: Wise Old Owl, that is so dangerous.

Buses are taller than cars and trucks. Tree branches and

signs can be at the same height as the windows of the bus

and hit anything sticking out of the window, including

children’s heads!

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Wise Old Owl: Sooo, keep your heads and arms inside the

bus?

Diego Dalmatian: Absolutely! Finally, boys and girls,

there’s an important bus safety tip outside the bus. The bus

is very big and the bus driver has many mirrors to help her

see the road and cars, but they don’t do a very good job of

helping her see smaller objects like children. Always cross

in front of the bus and in front of the arm so the driver can

see you. Never cross behind the bus and never, never chase

after the bus!

Wise Old Owl: That does not seem very wise! How could a

child ever catch a bus?

Diego Dalmatian: It does sound silly, but some children are

so worried about their book bag that they left on the bus, or

they might be so upset because they were late and missed

the bus, that they are not thinking smart or safe.

Wise Old Owl: So, even on the bus, think smart and be

safe. Adios, thank you for sharing about bus safety, Diego!

(12/15/2016 LMP)

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Snippet: Furniture Tipping

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Martin Monkey

Wise Old Owl: Does anyone have a big TV at home? (pause)

How about a big dresser for your clothes or a tall bookshelf

for your books or toys? (pause) We are very lucky today.

We have our BrainMinder Buddy furniture expert with us.

(Martin swings in chattering like a monkey...)

Martin Monkey: Hi, Wise Old Owl!

Wise Old Owl: Hi, Martin Monkey! I was just asking the

children about their furniture at home.

Martin Monkey: Oh, yes! Who likes to climb? You know

monkeys are natural swingers and climbers. I hold the

Guinness World Record for climbing the highest banana

tree in the world!

Wise Old Owl: Martin, you do not!

Martin Monkey: (Martin hangs his head.) Well, I will

someday.

Wise Old Owl: Oh, Martin! (Wise Old Owl leaves the stage)

Martin Monkey: (disdainfully, looking towards Owl) Owls!

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(looking back at the audience) It doesn’t really matter if you are

talking about TVs, shelves, cabinets, or dressers... we need

to play safe and play smart... I love to climb, but I do not

take any chances climbing on furniture. You see when I am

climbing and swinging on my tall banana trees, the trees

have HUGE roots that hold the tree in place and keep it

from falling. Now my TV; NO roots! Does your TV have

roots? (pause) Of course not!! So, if I climbed up on my TV

it would… (leaning backwards, yelling) AHHHHH!!! (sit back up

and looking at the audience) fall down on top of me. You know, I

don’t just monkey around when I’m protecting my brain.

(looks around, stage whisper) Don’t tell Owl, but I really did

climb the tallest banana tree in the world! (loudly) Hey,

BrainMinder buddies, I gotta go! Bye Owl! (Waves in the

direction of Owl as leaving the stage and Owl returns to stage)

Wise Old Owl: Good bye, Martin! Thank you for visiting!

He sure can be a smarty pants, but he knows how to protect

his brain!

(9/29/2016 LMP)

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Snippet: Playground Safety

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Martin Monkey

Wise Old Owl: Let’s see who else may be coming along.

Here is our friend, Martin Monkey! Hello.

Martin Monkey: I just love to swing and climb at the

playground! I love to climb high and to jump down, but I

am always careful. That’s why I look around before I climb

and jump so that I don’t run into my other monkey friends.

Wise Old Owl: You are sooo smart, Martin Monkey. It is

always a good idea to play safe with your friends.

Martin Monkey: I know to play where the ground is soft

with grass or wood chips. If I should fall, I can keep my

brain safe on the soft surface. I don’t play where the ground

is hard. That is why I am careful to watch out for my

friends, because I care about their brains too.

Wise Old Owl: Stay safe and stay smart, Martin Monkey.

(10/10/16 EAC)

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Snippet: Seatbelts and Booster Seats

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Penny Panda

Wise Old Owl: What do you know? I see Penny Panda

coming along. Welcome, Penny Panda! How was your ride

here today?

Penny Panda: Hi, Wise Old Owl! Well, Wise Old Owl,

thank goodness my mommy had me safely fastened in my

booster seat. The traffic was absolutely terrible! We were

driving past the mall when this big SUV went right through

a red light. Mommy had to swerve to miss hitting the other

car. It was so scary.

Wise Old Owl: Penny, I am so sorry. Are you ok?

Penny Panda: Oh, yes! Like I said, I was safely fastened in

my booster seat. My big brother, Philip, thinks he is too cool

and too big for seatbelts. He argues every time we get in the

car about wearing his seatbelt. Even Philip said that he was

glad he had his seatbelt on. He said the seatbelt kept him

from falling to the floor!

Wise Old Owl: I am so glad that your parents make sure

that you and Philip ride safely in cars. You could have been

hurt badly and your cars did not even hit each other!

Penny Panda: I don’t think Philip will argue about wearing

his seatbelt anymore. It is the law. Your parents will be in

trouble if you are not wearing a seatbelt.

Wise Old Owl: I agree, Penny! Thanks for stopping by. (11/10/2016 LMP)

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Snippet: Button Batteries

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Penny Panda

Wise Old Owl: Do you have a brother or sister who likes

to explore things and take them apart? Did you know that

electronic car keys, ipods, hearing aids and many other

modern devices have tiny batteries in them?

Penny Panda: Yes, Wise Old Owl. I never let my little

brother play with Mom’s car keys. The batteries inside can

easily fall out and it can be very dangerous if he swallows

one. That battery can burn a hole in the esophagus (that’s

his stomach tube) in one hour and cause a major problem for

the victim.

Wise Old Owl: Ohhhh! You are so smart Penny Panda.

These tiny batteries look like a button or a nickel. They are

not something to play with. Always have an adult change a

battery for you and never let your younger brother or sister

play with items that have batteries that may come out.

Penny Panda: Thank you, Wise Old Owl. I always want

children to play smart and play safe.

(9/21/16 EAC)

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Snippet: Concussion - Sports Safety

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Brave Bob Beagle

Wise Old Owl: Boys and girls, Bob Beagle is here today to

share an important message about our brains and how we

can hurt our brain playing sports without realizing it. Hi,

Bob!

Brave Bob Beagle: Hi, Wise Old Owl! (to children) Raise your

hand if you play football. (pause) Raise your hand if play

softball or baseball.(pause) Raise your hand if play

soccer.(pause) Do you wear any special equipment to protect

your brain? (allow time for the children to respond) Don’t forget

your skull protects you brain, too!

Brave Bob Beagle: Even with special equipment, you can

still hurt your brain. You head can hit the ground, or

someone else’s head, shoulder, or knee. Or something can

hit your head, like a hard ball. In soccer, sometimes we try

to hit the ball with our head!

Wise Old Owl: How do the boys and girls know if there’s a

problem, Bob?

Brave Bob Beagle: If you get bumped on your head, the

first thing you must do is tell your coach and your parents.

It’s important that they know so that they can watch for

signs that tell them that you hurt your brain. One time I had

a coach that told me that I should not be such a baby and

wanted to send me back into the game. My dad took me

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home to rest and my grandma took me to get checked by the

doctor the next morning. My dad and the doctor told me that

my brain was more important than the soccer game.

Wise Old Owl: Wow, Bob! Your Dad was really smart to

take you home and have grandma take you to the doctor.

The only way your brain can heal is to rest – no TV, no cell

phone or music, no reading, no videogames, no sports; just

rest!

Brave Bob Beagle: My coach just didn’t understand about

my brain and how it could get hurt. He does now, and when

we get bumped on our heads, he asks us if we have a

headache, or feel sick in our stomachs, or see fuzzy, or feel

off balance.

Wise Old Owl: It sounds like your coach has learned a lot

about our brains, too. Bob, this is such an important lesson

for our boys and girls. Thank you for stopping by!

(11/15/2016 LMP)

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Snippet: Electrical Outlets

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Diego Dalmatian

PROP: small device like a cell phone or tablet

Diego Dalmatian: Hola, Wise Old Owl. I am looking for

an outlet to recharge my game device here. Have you seen

one around here?

Wise Old Owl: Whoo Whoooo. There is an outlet in my

tree house, but I am using it for my television right now.

You know that you shouldn’t put too many devices in the

same outlet.

Diego Dalmatian: Si, Si, Wise Old Owl. I am always very

careful when I charge my devices. (speaks to children)

Children, how many of you have devices that you like to

plug in? (wait for response) I know not to put extra devices in

the same outlet. I am also careful when using extension

cords that they do not run under carpets or furniture. That

may cause a fire. That is especially important at Christmas

time when you are using extra decorations.

Wise Old Owl: How right you are, Diego Dalmatian. I

know that you would never put anything else into an

electrical outlet, either. What a shock you could get!!

Please, please don’t let your younger brother play with an

outlet or electrical cords. Outlets that are not being used

should have safety covers. Remember to Play Safe and

Play Smart. (11/10/16 EAC)

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Snippet: Emergency 911

Characters: Wise Old Owl, Tulip Pig

Tulip Pig: Did you hear that siren? There goes an

ambulance. Someone called 911 to get help fast.

Wise Old Owl: Whoo Whoo. You are so right, Tulip Pig.

That’s the number to call for any emergency, whether it’s a

fire, an accident or a sudden illness. You can even phone

the police if someone is trying to hurt you.

Tulip Pig: Yes, Wise Old Owl. The emergency number

when you need help fast is 911. Say that with me, boys and

girls. (have children repeat with you) 911. (10/20/16 EAC)

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Snippet: Farm Animal Safety

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Bob Beagle

Wise Old Owl: I think I see Bob Beagle coming down the

street. He is coming to tell us about how to be safe around

farm animals.

Bob Beagle: Hi, Wise Old Owl! Visiting a farm is so

exciting, especially if there are animals on the farm. Boys

and girls, raise your hand if you’ve ever visited a farm with

animals?

Wise Old Owl: Bob, many farm animals, like cows, horses,

and donkeys, are quite big! If an adult says it is alright to

touch them, are there special rules for farm animals?

Bob Beagle: Actually, you should approach farm animals

much like a dog that you do not know – slowly and calmly,

no barking, . . I meaning yelling. And let the animal sniff

you. The special rule for big animals is “always approach

the animal from the side.” Cows and horses cannot see

behind them, so they can easily become scared and upset.

Wise Old Owl: That makes sense, Bob. I bet mother cows

and horses are like mother dogs with their babies.

Bob Beagle: Yes, mothers are very protective of their

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babies. My mom tried to bite a lady who reached down into

our bed to pet my brothers and me! You know, boy animals

can also be very protective of their girlfriends, too.

Wise Old Owl: So, I guess the lesson to be learned is to be

careful and remember animals can be dangerous if they are

scared, upset, sick, or hurt.

Bob Beagle: You got it Wise Old Owl! One more thing, . .

if you do touch an animal, remember to wash your hands

with soap and water. Animals can carry germs that can

make people sick.

Wise Old Owl: That is so true Bob. Visiting a farm can be

such a fun experience when you visit safely. Thanks for

teaching us how to visit safely, Bob.

(12/15/2016 LMP)

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Snippet: Fire Safety

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Diego Dalmatian

Wise Old Owl: Do you have fire drills at your school?

(wait for response) That’s great. Your teachers want you to be

safe if there were ever a fire at school. I brought my friend,

Diego Dalmatian, with me today. He wants to share some

ideas with you about fire safety.

Diego Dalmatian: Hola, amigos. It is very important to

know what to do to prevent fires and to escape if there is

ever a fire in your home. Never play with matches or

lighters or candles. Keep blankets, clothing, furniture or

curtains away from space heaters. Always unplug space

heaters when not in use. Never put clothing or blankets

over a lamp.

Wise Old Owl: That is very smart, Diego. I never leave

matches where my little owlets can play with them. I have

smoke alarms near the bedrooms and I test them often to be

sure they are working.

Diego Dalmatian: I bet these amigos already know what

to do if they see a fire. They will phone what number?

__________ (allow children to answer) That’s right. Phone 911.

If your clothing ever catches fire you should STOP, DROP

AND ROLL! That is very important. Say that with me,

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“STOP, DROP AND ROLL!” Do not run. Lay down and

roll and keep rolling until the flames stop.

Wise Old Owl: So right you are, Diego. Oh, tell me, do

you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen?

Diego Dalmatian: Si, amigo, you bet I do. It is right

below the sink where I can grab it quickly.

Amigos, the last thing I want to share with you is a

home escape plan. If you practice a fire drill at school, you

need to do the same thing at home. Ask your parents about

the best way to get out of your house and where you should

meet them outside. You should know two ways out of the

house. Practice your plan with your parents. If there is a

fire in the house, GET LOW AND GO. Crawl out quickly,

then call 911 after you are safely outside of the house.

Wise Old Owl & Diego Dalmatian : BE SMART AND

BE SAFE.

(10/15/16 EAC)

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Snippet: Gun Safety

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Brave Bob Beagle

Wise Old Owl: Boys and girls, we have a special guest with

us today, Brave Bob Beagle. He is here to tell us about gun

safety. Hi, Brave Bob Beagle!

Brave Bob Beagle: Hi, Wise Old Owl! I have been around

guns since I was just a little puppy. I played with toy guns

all the time and pretended to be a hunter or a cowboy.

Wise Old Owl: Brave Bob Beagle, toy guns are very

different than REAL guns!

Brave Bob Beagle: They sure are Wise Old Owl! Real guns

are very dangerous. They can hurt and even kill you, even

by accident. It is never ok to play with real guns!

Wise Old Owl: That’s right, Brave Bob Beagle. Curious

children have been killed by real guns.

Brave Bob Beagle: True. Some children are curious, but

some children, especially older children think it is cool to

play around with guns. They may think that the gun does

not have bullets in it or maybe they think that the gun

cannot fire unless it is held a certain way, I don’t know Owl,

but while they are playing around, someone gets shot. It’s so

sad.

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Wise Old Owl: Yes, Brave Bob Beagle. It is too late then

and nothing can be changed.

Brave Bob Beagle: Exactly. So, boys and girls, if you see a

gun, do not touch it. Leave it alone and tell your parents or

an adult you trust. If you are with friends and they want to

play around with it, it may be really hard to leave. Your

friends may make fun of you. Your friends may call you

names. Leave! You will not get hurt or killed if you leave!

Tell your parents or an adult you trust right away. It may

keep your friends from getting hurt or killed.

Wise Old Owl: Good advice, Brave Bob Beagle. Thanks

for visiting!

(12/1/2016 LMP)

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Snippet: Helmet Safety

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Gerald Giraffe

Wise Old Owl: I see someone coming down the street on

his skate board. Let’s see Whoo it is.

Gerald Giraffe: (Gerald Giraffe comes swooping in on his

skateboard.) Whooa there, Betsy! I just about ran over you,

Wise Old Owl. (pauses to pant) You know, I’m just learning to

ride my new skateboard. I’m sure glad I’m wearing this

helmet. I don’t plan to land on my head or my bottom but

accidents can happen… have you ever hit your head on a

wall or a sidewalk? (Indicates children can raise their hands)

OUCH!

Wise Old Owl: Whew. That was a close one, Gerald. I am

so glad to see that you are wearing that helmet. A head

injury can cause some serious damage to your brain. Man,

oh man, it can make you feel pretty bad too. It is important

that you protect your brain with a helmet.

Gerald Giraffe: Make sure your helmet fits and that it does

not wobble on your head. Play it safe and play it smart…

protect your brain for life. When you are riding on a

skateboard or snow board, skis, a bicycle, motorcycle, or a

scooter – wearing the head gear can save your rear. I even

wear it when I ride my friend’s horse out on the trail.

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Riding, gliding, sliding or colliding… wearing your helmet

can save your brain. Yes sir, that’s a fact, dudes! (Gerald

steps back)

You know, Wise Old Owl, in many states it is the law that

children are required to wear a helmet when riding a bike,

skateboard, scooter or hoover board.

Wise Old Owl: Great job, Gerald. You are right! In

_________ it is the law that everyone 15 and under must

wear a properly fitting helmet. Play safe and play smart

when you are riding. Bye, Gerald.

(Note: insert name of your state in blank and modify as needed.)

(9/21/16 EAC)

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Snippet: PFD

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Captain Kitty

Wise Old Owl: Boys and girls, Captain Kitty has invited

me to take a ride on her boat tomorrow. I am getting so

excited about being on the water.

Captain Kitty: This is for you, Wise Old Owl. I brought

your Personal Floatation Device for you to try on. (She hands

a PFD to Wise Old Owl.) It is important that it fits correctly so

you will be safe while on the water.

Wise Old Owl: Thank you, Captain Kitty. I do want to be

safe while I am having fun.

Captain Kitty: I enjoy the water, but I can’t swim. If we

have an accident, the Personal Flotation Device will save

my life. It is important to wear one any time you are around

the water. If you can’t swim, you need to wear one when

you are playing in a lake or ocean. Children, let’s say it

together, “Personal Floatation Device”.

Be sure you have one that fits properly so you can

play smart and play safe.

(9/22/16 EAC)

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Snippet: Poisoning

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Tulip Pig

Tulip Pig: (She comes running in with a bottle of green liquid in

her paw.) Hello there, Wise Old Owl. Would you like to

have some of this Gator Aid I have here? I found it under

the sink and I am so thirsty. (Shows him the bottle)

Wise Old Owl: Are you sure that is Gatorade? WHOO

WHOO. It could be a cleaning solution that your mother

uses to clean the house. Just because it looks like

Gatorade, doesn’t mean it IS Gatorade. See this bottle of

floor cleaner. They look the same don’t they? (Ask children

to respond.) Be sure to ask an adult to help you get a drink

so you will be safe. Never drink or eat anything in an

unmarked or unknown bottle. AND don’t let your younger

brother or sister play with the cleaning products at home.

Tulip Pig: Thank you, Wise Old Owl. I almost made a

terrible mistake. (pause) I found these pills (shows bottle) on

the table this morning and I know not to eat them. They

look just like the candy I have. I know they will make me

very sick and that’s no fun. I am careful always to ask an

adult for help before I eat a snack.

Wise Old Owl: My Goodness! You are so smart, Tulip Pig.

We can’t be too careful when we want a snack.

28

Tulip Pig: I know, I know Wise Old Owl! (impatiently) I am

smart around the house. I can help mother with the laundry

by putting the soap in the washing machine. She just

found a new kind of soap to use. It looks like a good candy

bar, but I know that it is not good to eat. I could get very

sick and have to go to the hospital. That would not be fun.

Wise Old Owl: Whoo Whoo. Stay Safe! Watch what you

eat!!

(9/21/16 EAC)

29

Snippet: Stranger Danger

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Fiona Fox

Wise Old Owl: Hi, Fiona Fox! Why are you walking so

fast?

Fiona Fox: Hi, Wise Old Owl! I sure am glad to see you!

Let me tell you what just happened to me. I was walking

along the sidewalk on my way to play at the park, when

suddenly I saw a strange car drive by slowly and stop. The

stranger in the car offered me some candy and a ride in his

fancy new car.

Wise Old Owl: Fiona, you didn’t take the candy or go for a

ride, did you?

Fiona Fox: No, of course not! I know Stranger Danger

when I see it! I looked straight ahead and quickly walked

right here to you. I knew I needed to report this to an adult.

Wise Old Owl: Fiona, I am so glad that you know about

Stranger Danger! There is no telling what might have

happened to you if you had taken that candy. It might have

made you sick.

Fiona Fox: You are so right! My mother taught me to

never ever take food from strangers. And if I had gotten into

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that car, there is no telling where they may have taken me.

They could have hurt me and I might never have seen my

family and friends ever again! Strangers are not good!

Wise Old Owl: You are right, Fiona. You are brave and

you did a good thing by coming to tell me about these

strangers. As an adult, I will call the police right away to let

them know about these strangers. You keep on being

careful and safe as you walk down the street.

Fiona Fox: Thanks so much, Wise Old Owl!

(12/07/2016 JFL)

31

Snippet: Street Wise & Cell Phone Use

Characters: Wise Old Owl, Fiona Fox

Fiona Fox: Hello, Wise Old Owl, I am going to the park to

play. Would you like to join me?

Wise Old Owl: Yes, I would, Fiona. I will fly along with

you to the park. (they move along the stage) I see you know how

to cross streets safely at the crosswalk.

Fiona Fox: We do like to play safe by looking both ways at

the street corner and never crossing in the middle of the

block. When our ball goes into the street, we Stop and

Look both Ways before walking after it.

Wise Old Owl: You’re smart, Fiona Fox. It is good to look

left, then right, then left again before you cross the street.

Fiona Fox: You know, Wise Old Owl, I always keep my

head up when I am walking. I do not use my phone for

texting or playing when I am walking on the street. I could

miss a hole in the sidewalk or walk straight in front of a car

without even knowing it. I will keep my head up and my

phone down when walking.

Let’s try an experiment. Boys and girls, imagine you are

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walking on the sidewalk. I will tell you when to close and

open your eyes. Ready? (open for 1 seconds and close for 6 seconds)

Open..close….open..close….open..close….open.. Were

your eyes open more or closed more? (allow time for children

to respond closed) When your eyes were closed, you could

have run almost to first base from home plate! Does it sound

like a safe idea to run with your eyes closed. (allow time for

children to respond) Now, (pause) raise your hand if you think I

should walk on the street while playing on my device. (watch

for response of no hands up) That’s right boys and girls, I should

not use my device while walking on the street. (Correct a

wrong response)

Wise Old Owl: Wow, you are very wise, Fiona Fox. I

could not have said it better myself. Keep your head up

and your phone down when walking. Now, let’s cross the

street so we can enjoy that game together.

(12/12/16 EAC)

33

Snippet: Swimming Smart

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Danny Deep

Danny Deep: Howdy, Friends. I’m Danny Deep, the Pilot

Fish. It has been so hot this week! I feel like I need a swim

today! Hey, if you would like to join me, grab your swim

suit and follow me to the lake to take a cool dip. (He moves

across stage toward Wise Old Owl.).

Wise Old Owl: Hello there, Danny Deep. Whoo Whoooo.

I see you brought some friends with you today and you have

your swim suits on. Are you planning to swim?

Danny Deep: Well, of course, it’s hot enough! (irritated.)

Will you be our adult buddy so we can swim safely?

Wise Old Owl: That is just what I was thinking. Since I

am here, you can jump right in and enjoy it. I am glad you

didn’t get in before you had an adult with you. You should

always have an adult present when you are swimming.

Danny Deep: Yes, Wise Old Owl, my world is wet and

waterish. I want children to play safely when around the

water. We need to walk carefully and not run. We don’t

push our friends. They may get hurt if they fall. We always

look before we leap into the water to be sure it is deep

enough. We don’t want to hit our head on the bottom. And

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we never eat candy or chew gum while we are swimming.

We don’t want to choke while in the water.

Wise Old Owl: You are so right, Danny Deep. Please tell

all our friends to follow these safety rules so they can play

safe and play smart.

Danny Deep: I am King of the deep and I have seen too

many accidents when people aren’t careful. We plan on

relaxing for a while in this cool water. Thank you, Wise

Old Owl for being our Swim Buddy.

(10/08/16 EAC)

35

Snippet: ATV Safety

Puppets: Gerald Giraffe, Wise Old Owl

Gerald Giraffe: Hello, Wise Old Owl. I’ve been watching

my older brother ride that ATV he just got for his birthday.

He completed his safety training course last week just

before his 16th birthday. My parents say it is too dangerous

to ride one before age 16. He also got a helmet, goggles,

boots and gloves to wear when he rides it. Those will help

keep him safe. He showed me the book of safety rules, and

there are certainly a lot of them. I know I will need to study

them before I can ride.

Wise Old Owl: Yes, you’re right Gerald Giraffe. No one

should ride an ATV until they have completed that safety

course. They do make some ATVs for youth over 12 years

old, but it is still a dangerous sport. The risk of death is 12

times higher for children on an ATV than for adults. Your

brother should never ride on paved roads and he should

never carry a passenger on his single seat ATV. When you

are older you can learn to ride your own ATV. Perhaps you

can work on some new skills on that mountain bike you

have.

Gerald Giraffe: Alright, Wise Old Owl. I want to Play

Safe and Play Smart. I will enjoy my bike until I am old

enough to ride an ATV. (10/20/16 EAC)

36

Snippet: Horseback Riding (Use immediately following Helmet

Safety)

Characters: Wise Old Owl, Hero Horse, Gerald Giraffe

Hero Horse: (He gallops in) Howdy, Dudes. It’s great to see

you, Gerald Giraffe and Wise Old Owl. Did I hear you

talking about helmet safety?

Gerald Giraffe: That’s right, Hero Horse. I am so glad

you are wearing your helmet today.

Hero Horse: I certainly do wear this helmet whenever I am

on a horse. I always have an adult help me get ready to

ride. When I approach a horse, I speak to him first and

always approach slowly from the side, so he will see me.

Gerald Giraffe: Wow, you know about horses!

Hero Horse: Yes, Gerald Giraffe, it’s fun to give a treat

to a horse. Do you know the safest way to do it? I put the

goodie into a bucket first and then give it to him so he won’t

accidentally bite my hand.

Gerald Giraffe: Thanks for your advice Hero Horse. The

most important thing is to have an adult present any time

you are around a horse, a cow, or any other large animal.

We always want to Play Smart and Play Safe.

(11/01/16 EAC)

37

Snippet: Kitchen Safety

Characters: Wise Old Owl, Tulip Pig

Wise Old Owl: Boys and girls, let’s visit Tulip Pig in her

kitchen. We are a little early, she doesn’t expect us yet.

Tulip Pig: I just love cooking in the kitchen, and I always

follow safe practices. Some of my favorite meals are duck

and pheasant. (She stops suddenly when she sees Wise Old Owl.) Oh,

hello, Wise Old Owl. I didn’t see you there.

Wise Old Owl: Whoo Whoo, Tulip Pig. I don’t think I

want to cook my feathered cousins; (to children) although she

is a wonderful cook.

Tulip Pig: To be safe I only cook when an adult is present.

I am always aware of hot burners on the stove, so I won’t

burn my paws. I use oven mitts to take hot dishes from the

oven or I have an adult handle the dishes that are heavy. I

always stay in the kitchen to watch when something is

cooking, so it won’t boil over and burn.

Wise Old Owl: Did you say you were having pizza for

dinner?

Tulip Pig: How did you guess, Wise Old Owl? I am

chopping the mushrooms and olives right now. I use a

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cutting board and always cut away from myself. My paws

are so delicate that I don’t want to chop them. I am careful

to use knives safely.

Now, Wise Old Owl, will you have dinner with us

tonight?

Wise Old Owl: Of course, Tulip Pig. Your pizzas are a

delightful treat to enjoy. I am glad you use safe practices in

the kitchen.

(10/15/16 EAC)

39

Snippet: Trampoline Safety

Puppets: Gerald Giraffe, Wise Old Owl

Gerald Giraffe: (While he is standing beside the trampoline, Wise Old

Owl flies in to perch on the puppet stage.) Hello, Wise Old Owl. I

am so glad to see you today! I was just getting ready to

phone you. I need someone to watch while I jump with my

sister.

Wise Old Owl: Whoooo, Gerald Giraffe. I will be glad to

stay with you while you get your exercise today. I am so

glad that you are following the correct safety practices. You

always need an adult to watch while you are jumping, just

like when you are swimming. You have a net enclosure to

catch you, should you fall. I see that you are taking turns

with your sister so that only one person jumps at a time.

Gerald Giraffe: Up and Down, Up and Down. My, this is

fun! (He is jumping.) I just love to jump but I don’t want to get

hurt. I have a friend who got hurt and had to stay in the

hospital for a long time. I will be very careful. My neck is

so long that I could easily get hurt and that would not be

fun. I do want to Play Safe and Play Smart.

(11/15/16 EAC)

40

Snippet: Winter Fun Safety

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Penny Panda

Wise Old Owl: Who loves a snowy day? (pause) One of my

friends, Penny Panda, is here today to talk about winter fun

safety. Penny? (pause) Penny? Are you here?

Penny Panda: Oh, hi! I was looking for my hat and mittens. I

found my boots, but I cannot find my hat and mittens

anywhere. If you want to play in the snow, you must wear your

winter coat, boots, mittens, and a hat.

Wise Old Owl: Most children will agree to wear their coats,

boots and mittens, Penny, but I see a lot of children playing in

the snow without a hat on.

Penny Panda: Wearing a hat is so important! You lose a lot of

body heat through your head. Wearing a hat will help you stay

warm longer so you can play outside longer.

Wise Old Owl: How will the boys and girls know when it’s

unsafe and they should go inside to take a break?

Penny Panda: Our bodies are very smart and give us signs

when we are too cold. We shiver, our teeth chatter, our ears,

fingers or toes might feel numb or tingle. Or we might just feel

really cold. Play smart. Play safe. If you are cold, go inside for

a break. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.

Wise Old Owl: Do you have any other winter fun tips for the

41

boys and girls?

Penny Panda: One of my favorite snow activities is to go

sledding. It’s important that your sled is in good shape and that

there are not any sharp edges or broken pieces. Remember to

always sit on your sled; never lay down on your sled. Finally,

kid power only! Never pull your sled by anything.

Wise Old Owl: Good advice Penny. Some boys and girls even

wear their bicycle helmets when they sled to protect their brain.

Penny Panda: That is a good habit, Wise Old Owl.

Wise Old Owl: Thank you, Penny, for teaching us how to play

smart and play safe in the snow.

(12/15/2016 LMP)

42

Snippet: Bullying

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Charlie Chicken

Wise Old Owl: Hi Charlie Chicken! What’s up?

Charlie Chicken: Hey Wise Old Owl! I just learned what to

do if someone bullies me.

Wise Old Owl: Great, Charlie! Would you like to tell these

boys and girls what to do if someone bullies them?

Charlie Chicken: Of course! I’d be glad to! Well, boys and

girls, if someone bullies you by picking on you, pushing you

around or calling you names, there are three things you need to

do.

Wise Old Owl: Three things, huh? What are they?

Charlie Chicken: Talk. Walk. And Tell.

Number 1: Talk. Talk to the bully by telling him, “I’m sorry

you are having a bad day.”

Number 2: Walk. Walk away. Get away from the bully. Go

find an adult.

Number 3: Tell. Tell a teacher or an adult about the bully.

Teachers and adults know what to do to help the bully, and they

will make sure you are okay, too.

Wise Old Owl: Talk. Walk. And Tell. That sounds like a

great plan.

43

Charlie Chicken: It is! And it works! Well, I have to go. See

you later.

Wise Old Owl: Goodbye and thanks so much, Charlie. You

know, boys and girls, you should always be friendly and kind

to others. Never, ever, ever bully someone else and make them

feel bad or left out. And if someone bullies you…Talk. Walk.

And Tell. Say that with me boys and girls, “ Talk. Walk. And

Tell.”.

(12/07/2016 JFL)

44

Independent script: Bullying

Puppets: Wise Old Owl, Charlie Chicken, Bully Bulldog,

Gerald Giraffe

Wise Old Owl: I also want to talk with you today about

bullying. Raise your hand if you have ever been bullied by

anyone. (Pause) Well, I have been bullied too, and let me tell

you, it did not feel good at all. I was scared and I was very

sad. I was not sure what to do. But I figured it out, and

now I know what to do if a bully shows up.

Today I brought along some BrainMinder Buddies with me

to teach YOU what to do if someone bullies you or a friend

of yours.

Let's look in as Charlie Chicken, and Gerald Giraffe are

playing ball on the school playground. (Pause for them to

enter and begin talking.)

Charlie Chicken: Hey, Gerald Giraffe! I sure am having

fun playing ball with you! Thanks for asking me to join

you!

Gerald Giraffe: Playing games is always fun with friends!

45

Wise Old Owl: Uh-Oh! Here comes Bully Bulldog. Let's

listen and see what happens.

(Bully Bulldog runs onto the playground, knocking down Charlie Chicken.)

Bully Bulldog: POW!!

Charlie Chicken: (sits up slowly and looks around, dazed)

Bully, I am sorry you are having a bad day. (Charlie Chicken

walks away.)

Bully Bulldog: Bad day, huh?! Charlie, you are such a

chicken! Charlie is a chicken! Charlie is a chicken!

Gerald Giraffe: Bully! There is no need to be mean!

Charlie Chicken has not done anything to you. Leave him

alone!

Wise Old Owl: Yeah, Bully! Charlie means you no harm!

You should not go around picking on others!

Bully Bulldog: Me?! I don't want to pick on anyone. I just

want to have friends and be part of a group. Can I play with

all of you?

Gerald Giraffe: What do you think, Charlie Chicken?

Should we let him play with us?

46

Charlie Chicken: (He comes over to the group.) Well, yes! I

think we should let him play! I know what it is like to be

left out! I used to have no friends. But now I have you and

Wise Old Owl as friends. And just think...Bully Bulldog

can be our friend too! What fun we will have, together!

Bully Bulldog: Thank you, Charlie Chicken! (Bully hugs

Charlie Chicken.) I am sorry for bullying you! I think we are

going to be great friends! Let's go play basketball over

there...

(Charlie Chicken, and Bully Bulldog exit.)

Wise Old Owl: Hey, Kids! It is a good thing that Bully

Bulldog decided to stop bullying Charlie Chicken and be

friends with all of them! But what if he hadn't? What could

Charlie Chicken have done? Who could he talk to? (Wait for response)

Wise Old Owl: Charlie Chicken could have told the

teacher on duty during recess. Sometimes bullies don't

know when to stop, and they need help. Teachers can make

sure bullies get the help they need.

Friends should always be nice to one another.

You should never say anything that would hurt someone

else’s feelings.

Make sure you are not a bully to others.

47

And make sure you know what to do if someone bullies you

or a friend of yours.

Talk, Walk, and Tell! Talk to the bully by saying, “I am

sorry you are having a bad day.”

Walk away! Then tell a teacher or an adult.

Gerald Giraffe: Be brave! Stand up to a bully!

Talk…Walk…and Tell. You can do it!

Wise Old Owl: That’s right, Gerald Giraffe! These kids

can be brave like you!

Remember, no one wants to be bullied. And no one should

be bullied.

Say “No” to Bullying! (pause)

Hey, BrainMinder Buddies, join me on stage. (pause)

Bully’s words are never fun, but kind words make you

Number One!

Repeat this with me…Bully’s words are never fun, but

kind words make you Number One!

Good job! Play nice and play smart! (12/07/16 JFL, MW)

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Snippet: Conclusion to Program

Puppets: Wise Old Owl

Wise Old Owl: Well, boys and girls, I hope you enjoyed

meeting our special BrainMinder Buddies today and

learning how to protect your brain! Let’s review the lessons

we learned.

(Wise Old Owl calls each character in turn to repeat their key fact.

Each character enters and repeats his key fact. All characters

repeat the slogan at the end.)

Check if Topic /Character Key fact to remember

needed Personal fitness

Captain Kitty

Exercise to stay fit.

Bus Safety

Diego Dalmatian

Stay seated with arms inside the bus

Furniture Tipping

Martin Monkey

Don’t climb on furniture!

Playground

Martin Monkey

Look out for your friends on the playground and play

where the ground is soft.

Booster seat, seat belt

Penny Panda

Buckle Up!

Button Batteries

Penny Panda

Keep items that have button batteries away from

small children.

Concussions in sports

Brave Bob Beagle

Tell an adult if you bump your head while playing

sports.

Electrical outlets

Diego Dalmatian

Do not let small children play with an electrical outlet

or cord.

Emergency 911

Tulip Pig

In an emergency, dial 911.

Farm animals

Brave Bob Beagle

Always approach animals from the front

Fire Safety

Diego Dalmatian

If there is a fire in the house, “get low and go”.

49

Gun safety

Brave Bob Beagle

Tell an adult if you see a gun.

Helmet Safety

Gerald Giraffe

Wear your helmet when riding a bike, skateboard,

scooter, horse, or skates.

PFD

Captain Kitty

Wear a personal flotation device any time you are

around water.

Poisoning

Tulip Pig

Ask an adult for help before you eat a snack.

Stranger Danger

Fiona Fox

Go quickly and tell an adult if a stranger talks to you.

Street Wise & Cell Phone

Fiona Fox

Keep your head up and phone down when walking.

Swimming smart

Danny Deep

Always have an adult present when you swim.

ATV riding

Gerald Giraffe

You should be 16 and complete a safety course before

riding on an ATV.

Horseback riding

Hero Horse

Wear your helmet when riding a horse, and ride with

an adult supervising you.

Kitchen safety

Tulip Pig

Only cook when an adult is present.

Or: Be careful in the kitchen.

Trampoline safety

Gerald Giraffe

Only one person at a time can jump and always have

an adult present.

Winter fun

Penny Panda

Wear a hat and know when to come in out of the cold.

Bullying

Charlie Chicken

If someone bullies you, “talk, walk, and tell”.

All characters: Remember these facts and be sure to play

safe and play smart.

(12/07/16 JFL)