Storytime: Firefighters

Discussion Questions: 

Today we have stories about some a group of people who help in the community.  Who are some people who help in our town?  (If firefighters are not mentioned, lead children to the answer.)

Story: Firehouse! by Mark Teague*

Edward is visiting his local fire station and he learns all about the job of a firefighter.  He even takes part in a fire drill and rescues a kitten!  We played some "I Spy" throughout the pages by spotting and counting the mouse firefighters.

Movement Song: Drive the Fire Truck (with scarves)

Hurry, hurry drive the fire truck, (hands on steering wheel)

Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck,
Hurry, hurry, drive the fire truck,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. (ring bell)

Hurry, hurry, turn the corner, (lean to the right)
Hurry, hurry, turn the corner, (lean to the left)
Hurry, hurry, turn the corner,
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. (ring bell)

Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder….(climb the ladder)

Hurry, hurry, spray the water hose  (wave arms side to side)
Slowly, slowly, back to the fire station…. (lean slowly to the left and
to the right)

Movement Song: Sit Down, Stand Up song by Rick Goldin

Firefighters need to have fast reflexes when it's an emergency.  Does anyone know what a reflexis?  We're going to practice using our Listening Ears and our reflexes by moving along with the song!

This activity just needs an iPod with the song pre-loaded, a good set of speakers, and lots of energy.

Story: Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin*

This story focuses heavily on onomatopoeia (WHOOSH goes the water, HONK goes the horn) so kids had lots of chances to make noises with me.  They were riveted to each page, especially when the firefighters rescue the baby. We all gave a big cheer at the end that everyone was safe.

Craft: Dalmatian Dots

• Pre-printed sheets of dalmatians (with NO spots)
• Q-Tips
• Black paint

Oh no!  Our firehouse dalmatian has lost their spots!  Can you put lots of spots on the dog with your paint?

This is a great craft for fine motor skills as kids are gripping a smaller tool (Q-Tip) and using a controlled motion to make a dot.

*Links for books are to Amazon and Goodreads; I am not affiliated with these companies.