Discuss with children general rules to apply to strangers. Rules might include: A stranger is an adult you do not know; It is OK to talk to a stranger if you are with a trusted adult; Never tell someone your name or where you live if you don't know them; Never accept candy or animals from a stranger; Strangers may look like normal, friendly people; Never leave with or follow a stranger anywhere no matter what they tell you; If a stranger tries to grab or touch you, run away yelling "Stranger Danger" as loudly as possible.
Write the rules on a large chart paper with a marker to revisit during role plays and future discussions.
Provide different scenarios for children to role play. Scenarios might include: "You are playing at the park, your mom is busy pushing your baby brother on the swings and you are on the slide when a friendly looking man you don't know asks what your name is." Or, "You are playing in the backyard with a friend when a woman runs up telling you to come quickly because your mom is hurt." Give children ample opportunity to practice what to say and do.
Read and discuss books with a stranger theme. Try "The Berenstein Bears Learn About Strangers." Before reading, ask questions like, "Have you ever been approached by someone you didn't know?" or "What would you do if a stranger tried to give you something?" Stop to discuss important concepts while reading. After reading, ask questions to review what the characters did when they were approached by a stranger, how they felt and what the children learned from the book.
Provide coloring worksheets to reinforce concepts. Visit the Activity Village website (see Resources) to access a variety of stranger-danger coloring pages and booklets.