Play is necessary and valuable for young children’s development. As a young child matures their play becomes increasingly elaborate, and evolves from play with objects that are in a child’s immediate area to play based on ideas, plans, or experiences. Here are some resources to extend the play and learning introduced by JUMPSEEWOW.
FIRE STATION RESOURCES
PICTURE BOOKS
The Fire Cat by Esther Averill
A classic book first published in 1960. It’s about Pickles the Cat who wishes to do big things and he eventually does. I love the drawings and the character of Mrs. Goodkind who knows that Pickles is really a good cat, but just mixed-up.
Fire! Fire! By Gail Gibbons
This is a picture book with detailed illustrations and lots of real world information about fighting fires in all sorts of situations—urban, rural, on the water, etc. This book is for the kid who wants more information about the work of firefighters.
Fire Drill by Paul Dubois Jacobs and Jennifer Swender Illustrated by Huy Voun Lee
This is a sweet book with colorful collage illustrations and a simple, happy story of a fire drill at a preschool. This book is a great way to introduce the idea of a fire drill without worrying kids about a real fire.
Firefighter Frank by Monica Wellington is a sweet depiction of a day in the life of Fireman Frank. Cheerful illustrations and nice details about everything firefighters do.
Dot the Fire Dog by Lisa Desimini
Beautiful illustrations depict a day in the life of Dot the Fire Dog. She is a hero in the story as she rescues a cat from a fire. There are some fire safety tips at the end of the book.
NON-FICTION BOOKS
What if There is a Fire? By Anara Guard Illustrated by Gina Pfleegor
This is an illustrated book about fire safety. It gives children practical information about what to do to prepare for a fire. This may be better for slightly older or less fearful kids.
Machines at Work: Fire Truck by DK Publishing
This book is full of photographs of real fire trucks, helicopters, ambulances, rescue boats, tools, and gear. Lots of information for kids who want to know more about the work of firefighters.
PRETEND PLAY
Preschoolers love pretend play. Assemble some dress-up clothes such as inexpensive firefighter helmets, gloves (winter gloves or garden gloves), and some short hoses and encourage the kids to go play. If it’s warm outside you can give the kids spay bottles with water inside and let them run around and “put out fires.”
ART PROJECTS
Recycled Material: Collect old milk cartons and cardboard boxes. Kids can use paint to transform them into fire trucks or fire stations. Once they are dry bring out the matchbox cars or people and continue the pretend play.
Fingerpainting: Let kids mix red and yellow paint to make orange flames/fire.
Click on the link above if you are looking for any of the following activities:
Fire Prevention Coloring Pages
Fire Prevention Word Searchs
Songs
Stories
Lesson Plans
Safety Tips
Resources for Teachers/Parents
BAKERY RESOURCES
BOOKS
Everybody Bakes Bread by Norah Dooley
This is a longer story that weaves in bread traditions from around the world. Recipes are provided at the end. Dooley has written other books with universal food themes such as, “Everybody Cooks Rice,” and “Everybody Brings Noodles.”
How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman
Beautifully illustrated story of travelling the world to gather ingredients to make apple pie.
How to Make A Cherry Pie and See the U.S.A. by Marjorie Priceman
Richly illustrated story about finding the ingredients to make a cherry pie.
Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant
Sweet story of friends who bake a cake as a Christmas gift for Mrs. Teaberry.
THINGS TO DO
Bake: Pick a recipe to bake together—quick bread like corn bread is fun, easy and quick. Real bread takes some patience, but is exciting. It’s fun to measure out all the ingredients, stir, and shape your bread. It’s also fun to just play with flour, spoons and measuring cups in a big bowl.
Play: Make playdough together or play with store-bought playdough – “make” bread, cakes, cookies, pizza, or pretzels. Pretend to open your own bakery or restaurant.
