An exciting event for preschoolers is when a firefighter comes in his gear and brings a firetruck. This is also a great way for teachers to teach fire safety objectives. Firefighters are experts, and they can share important fire safety information with preschoolers, while also showing them their equipment and perhaps a chance to see a fire truck. Many fire departments have materials to correspond with their lessons for prekindergarten students, such as coloring books and posters for the classroom. An important note to remember is that Fire Safety Prevention Week, usually in October, is a very popular time for classrooms to invite firefighters as guest speakers. If this is when you want to schedule a firefighter, then make sure to plan the visit well in advance with your local fire department. After the firefighter leaves, ask students to create thank you notes where they either write or draw a fire safety tip they learned from the firefighter.
A great book to share with prekindergarten students is "Clifford the Firehouse Dog" by Norman Bridwell. In this story, Emily Elizabeth and Clifford visit a cousin of Clifford's, Nero, who is a fire rescue dog. Clifford and Emily Elizabeth learn fire safety rules, and Clifford even helps people from a burning building. Many preschoolers love Clifford books, so this is a good way to catch their attention and teach them fire safety rules. First, ask students to pay attention to any safety rules that Clifford learns. After reading them the book, ask students to tell you some rules that Clifford learned and write these on a piece of chart paper. Discuss the rules with students and apply them to your classroom or even to the students' homes. After the discussion, the children can draw pictures of a rule they remember. Posted these pictures on a bulletin board for a fire safety display.
One of the most important lessons you can teach prekindergarten students is what to do if there is a fire in their building. Teaching them how to act, why to act that way, then practicing what to do is important. First, discuss with students the fire alarm in your building and what it means when it goes off. The noise of the alarm can often scare small children, so it is important that they hear the noise before an actual fire. Once students understand what the alarm means, discuss with them how to remain calm and listen to your instructions. You can also teach them about how smoke rises, and that they may have to crawl through the building to an exit. Another lesson you can teach them is about feeling a closed door to see if it is hot. Once you have discussed, demonstrated, and practiced these fire safety issues with students, practice the fire drill. Show them how to line up quickly and lead them out the building to your safe spot. Practice everything students will need to know in case of a fire until they can do it immediately and without panic. When you return from fire drill practice, discuss with students how it went and if they have any questions or concerns.