This week our Blue Butterflies continued their exploration of their ‘Community helpers’ interest plan. To begin their learning journey the Butterflies children continued their fire safety education. The butterflies began their week role playing the role of a fire fighter setting up an area with safety areas using fire extinguishers, walkie talkies etc. (8/8).
To further extend children's learning they participated in a story titled Firefighter Santa. These activities promoted opportunities for discussion and children responding to what firefighters do. During outdoor play the children continued exploring the role of the firefighter through dramatic play. Setting up a fire scene the children role played having a pretend fire in the playground and children put on their fire fighter uniforms and embark on a hands-on learning experience rescuing people in their role play (9/8).
Throughout the week and through literacy opportunities the butterflies continued to explore and learn about how firefighters are always prepared in the event of an emergency. The children recalled the number they call for help – 000 in an emergency (10/8). Through the early years fire program children explored images relating to the pictures and using small cubes to replicate the fire extinguisher image the children explore. The butterflies recalled that fire extinguishers help put out fires and also located ones in our service (11/8).
Drawing community helpers and exploring life savers through a free drawing activity and exploring community through a mathematical number experience ended a week of learning about fire safety and the role of fire fighters (12/8).
What the Blue Butterflies have learnt this week:
* Through learning about community helpers this encourages children to show an interest in their own community and leading to a sense of belonging in their community.
* Teaching children and promoting safety how and who to ask for help.
* Providing role play opportunities and allow them to role play being different community members.
Next week (week beginning 15th August) the Blue Butterflies will continue:
* Continuing our firefighter’s program and learning about firefighters and their role in our community. The Butterflies will continue learning and exploring through role play using their costumes, safety equipment to further extend their learning during their indoor and outdoor experiences.
* We will also be exploring other community helpers including nurses and paramedics and how they help people in the medical field.
* Using sustainable resources the preschoolers will build an ambulance as they continue learning about other community helpers in our community.
Links to Early Years learning Framework:
1.1 - Children feel safe, secure and supported
3.1 - Children become strong in their social and emotional wellbeing
3.2 - Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing
5.1 - Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes
5.5 - Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking
Links to National Quality Standards:
1.1.2 - Each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of the program.
3.1.1 - Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures and fittings are suitable for their purpose, including supporting the access of every child.
3.2.2 - Resources, materials and equipment allow for multiple uses, are sufficient in number, and enable every child to engage in play-based learning.
Further reading and links for families:
Fire NSW Website
Educational Fire Safety videos for children by Fire and Rescue NSW
Triple Zero Challenge (000) game for children
Article: Preschoolers learn about emergency services
Winter Fire Safety for families