Herbert Said:

A health or safety activity for toddlers/preschoolers?

We Answered:

Greetings! I am a preschool teacher and have covered many of those things.

For teeth brushing, we have the children brush their teeth just after eating breakfast in our classroom. In circle time, we may read a story about tooth brushing and also use the large model of teeth with a supersized toothbrush to demonstrate how to brush...the front, the back, the insides, etc. Every week, when we monitor the children, we suggest or ask if they brushed one particular place. Each week we change the place so the child eventually learns how to brush in each area.

We also are mandated to have fire and earthquake drills (I'm in CA).

When we start our classes in the fall, the first safety lesson we teach is how to cross the street. I usually put two lines of tape about a couple feet apart from each other and run them about five feet parellel in the play yard.

We also have a few very basic safety rules that help the children learn to play safely. It is a process that can take the entire year, but if you are patient and consistent, it pans out.

Stranger Danger - I have a very unusual bias against this program and do not recommend it personally. This sounds very strange, coming from a professional preschool teacher, but I have strong feelings about this one. If another teacher insists on doing it out, I will step aside and let that teacher conduct it or have coordinate with the local police department. I will not participate in the activity. If you want more, feel free either IM me or email me. I will be happy to give you my own opinion.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, let me know.