Children make hats to resemble the ones worn by community helpers in this simple craft. They cut construction paper into bands to fit around their heads and tape or staple the bands into a circular shape. Then to the front of the band they add a firefighter's badge, police badge, or nurse's red cross symbol. Wearing their new headband hats, students can play pretend and take on the roles of community helpers in the classroom.
Apples are a healthy snack, but they can also become craft-time inspiration. Children use an apple cut in half as a stamp; they dip it in a shallow tray of paint and stamp it onto paper. They can use the paper to make a card for a favorite teacher or as gift wrap for a special present. The apple art activity reminds preschoolers to give back to the helpers in their communities.
During a community helpers theme, preschoolers can learn about important information they might need in case of an emergency. They can store this information on a personalized art project for easy reference. Children draw small pictures of their homes on a sheet of paper with lines underneath. Then they add a picture of a hospital, a police officer and a firefighter. They also draw a picture of a trusted friend or relative they could contact if needed. Students may then take the papers home, where their parents can help them fill in information such as their addresses and phone numbers and the numbers to call for local emergencies, including 911. The picture also may include contact information for a grandparent or other person to call in case of an emergency. The children then return the papers to school, where the teacher laminates them and sends them home again for a handy reference to display on the refrigerator or in another prominent location.
Postal workers are helpers who serve an important role in the community. When preschoolers are learning about the post office and how mail works, they can make their own postcards and send them to friends or family members. Children simply draw a picture on a piece of card stock cut to 4 inches by 6 inches. On the other side they write a simple message (parents or teachers may help them write it), then include an address and a stamp and send the postcard on its way.