Determine what your students already know about community helpers. Giving an informal survey by a show of hands is an excellent method for getting a general idea. By understanding your students' preconceived notions about community helpers and their role in society, you can better determine what to focus on in your lesson plan.
Give a brief overview of who community helpers are. Remember, your students are preschoolers, so the most basic ideas will be the most important. Explain how and why people are helping in the community, but most importantly, explain the roles of these helpers. The students should know by the end of your lesson what doctors, police, firefighters, and other essential professions do to serve the community.
Bring real community helpers into the classroom to speak with the students. Have the helper explain to the students what they do on a regular basis. The helper should then have a question and answer session explaining anything the students may want to know about his or her profession.
Have the students draw a community helper in action. Artistic renderings will help you to determine whether the students are understanding the roles of the helpers in the community. Walk around the classroom as the students draw and ask questions about what they are creating to determine if they have the right idea about the topic.
Show the students flashcards depicting various community helpers. Most community helpers will be easily identifiable. Display the picture and have the students shout out what profession is being depicted on the card.