Topic of Study:

Superheroes/Community Helpers LESSON PLANNING

Teacher: Janie Schutte

The topic of study in this lesson is superheroes, but our community helpers are our
heroes too! The thematic unit of superheroes came in time when we were going to
learn about community helpers. I combined both for this lesson plan, because the
people wearing capes are not the only heroes.
Rationale Statement:
INTRO QUESTIONS:
1) What is a hero?
2) Who is your hero? Why are they your hero?

Before beginning this activity, the teacher will read a story about Firefighters. There
are no specifics to what book, but one that is factual and visual for the kids.
The goal of this activity is for children to understand what they should do in case
Objectives: there is a fire in their home. Children are going to learn how to crawl under pretend
smoke, so in case they were ever in a fire they know to avoid breathing it in. The
expected outcome is for the children to have a better understanding of fire safety
and what to do in case of an emergency such as a fire in their home.

Early Learning Standard: SSPK 2.1.d (used in multiple activities regarding this
Standards: lesson)
Activity: For this activity, I recommend having a real firefighter to help in this activity, to also
discuss fire safety. I had my oldest brother Devin, a Firefighter and Paramedic, come
in for this lesson. If it is not possible to get in touch with someone in the field, the
teachers can still do this activity.
Age Group: 4-5 years
How long the activity takes to implement: 15-20 minutes.
Where the activity is: We did the garbage bag activity inside on the letter carpet.
This activity could be done outside as well.
1) Use a large, black garbage bag to portray the smoke. Have the teacher and
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firefighter hold the bag and shake it. The kids will each get a turn to crawl under.

2) Teach the kids how to stop, drop and roll. Show them that they also need to cover
their face so they dont breathe in any smoke.

3) The firefighter can discuss fire safety with the class. (They can also help in
leading the 2nd activity) Encourage the children to ask questions.

Large, Black Garbage Bag

Materials Needed:
A book about Firefighters

Document the children that are able to crawl under the smoke and the ones
who need assistance
Identify the children who voluntarily ask the firefighter questions. How
Assessment: detailed are their questions? Did they ask something appropriate or
interesting?
Take note of the children who followed the activity using the proper
developmental domains as listed for this lesson.
Developmental Social/Emotional
Domains:
Sense of Self
-Shows ability to adjust to new situations
-Demonstrates appropriate trust in adults

Responsibility for Self and Others

-Respects and cares for classroom environment and materials
-Follows classroom routines and rules

Prosocial Behavior
-Plays well with other children
-Shares and respects the rights of others
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Physical Development

Gross Motor
-Demonstrates basic locomotor skills
-Shows balance while moving

Fine Motor
-Coordinates eye-hand movement

Cognitive Development

Learning and Problem Solving

-Observes objects and events with curiosity
-Shows persistence in approaching tasks

Representation and Symbolic Thinking

-Takes on pretend roles and situations
-Makes believe with objects
-Makes and interprets representations

Language Development

Listening and Speaking

-Expresses self using words and expanded sentences
-Understands and follows oral directions
-Answers and asks questions
-Actively participates in conversations

Reading and Writing

-Enjoys and values reading
-Demonstrates understanding of print concepts
-Uses emerging reading skills to make meaning from print
-Comprehends and interprets meaning from books and other texts

How did the plan work? Was enough planned? Too much? Did children maintain
interest or go in other directions? What will you do the same if you repeat this
Lesson Reflection:
activity? What will you do differently the next time? How can you extend this
activity?
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Janie Schutte

EED 210

Michelle Rhodes

October, 28, 2013

Lesson Reflection

This actually ended up being one of my favorite lessons that I have done with a class. I actually had my oldest brother, Devin, come into my

work a few weeks ago to discuss fire safety with the classes. The kids get the opportunity to see the firefighter gear, touch it, and see him with it all

on. It shows the kids that there is nothing to fear when a firefighter comes to help you. Initially for this lesson plan, I had a lot more planned than I

needed to! Devin taught the class a lot of things, like what to do in case there is a fire and where you should go. He taught the kids how to Stop,

Drop and Roll, but instructed them to also cover their faces when they do it. This way, they do not breathe in any of the smoke that would be in the

air. I feel like I planned a lot more than I needed to for this lesson. I had so many extra activities that did not fall under the time slot we had for this

day, and because of the visit from Devin it made everything run a lot smoother! Children maintained a LOT of interest in this activity with the

pretend smoke, they all wanted to crawl under multiple times. I had Devin hold one end of the bag as I held the other, we shook the bag as the kids

were lead by another teacher to crawl under. They were so excited when they got out and came to the safe side! It is so important for kids to gain

these real world experiences. Next time with this activity, I would like to do it outside instead of inside. I feel like that would have made it slightly

more realistic, depending on the situation in case of a real fire. Also, a field trip to a real fire station would have been great! That is something I will

have to plan out for the next time I do any lesson plans that teach about fire safety and firefighters. I would have liked to use my fill in activity and

some of the others I had planned, but this did end up working out really well especially with Devins visit. So much firefighter fun!
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