Teaching preschoolers about fire safety can be both fun and effective with the right mix of games, songs, and play. Fire Safety Week offers the perfect opportunity to introduce engaging fire safety activities. These fire safety activities capture young learners’ interest while helping them understand how to respond to emergencies and recognize the dangers of fire in an age-appropriate way.
Introducing young learners to community helpers, like firefighters, can help them get comfortable with the equipment and understand the serious topic of fire in a safe and approachable way. Keep reading for fun and engaging fire safety activities you can add to your classroom to help students learn how to stay safe.
Creating a Fire Drill Routine
Practicing fire drills can be an exciting way to help preschoolers learn how to exit the building safely during an emergency. Practicing drills every month is a great way to help the students become familiar with the process. Here are some great ways to make it fun:
Start with a story:
Read an engaging book like No Dragons for Teaby Jean Pendziwol to spark (no pun intended) interest in a non-scary way.
Use Visuals:
Show pictures of fire trucks, firefighters, and exit signs to familiarize students with emergency symbols and helpers.
Practice Walking in a Line:
Teach children what to do when they hear the fire alarm go off. Show them how to walk in a line to the nearest exit while listening to the teacher. Use the “Fire Drill” action poem from day 1 in the Fire Safety Preschool Unit to practice the motions.
Use a Bell or Alarm:
Copy the sound of a fire alarm so students can understand what to expect. Alarm sounds can be found online, or a small bell can be used.
Act It Out
Role-playing is a great way to get preschoolers more comfortable with firefighters and scary topics like fire. Preschoolers love to play pretend, and role-playing is a great way to practice what to do in case of fire. Here’s a great way to get the play started:
Fire safety is a valuable lesson that can be taught in simple fun ways. Through role-playing, hands-on activities, and regular practice, preschoolers can learn important safety skills while also having fun. Remember to keep it positive so as not to frighten the children. Incorporating these activities into the classroom will help empower the children to keep themselves safe in case of fire.