"Kid-Free Zone" Lesson Plan

Grade(s): Preschool, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary

Learning Objectives:

1.       Students will be able to identify cooking areas of the home that should be “Kid-free” to avoid danger from fire or injuries.

2.       Students will be able to implement a plan for their own homes that feature “Kid-Free Cooking Zones” for safety.

Materials:

1.       Activity Sheet – Kitchen

2.       Crayons or Markers

Activity:

1.        Ask students if they know what a fire hazard is and where some might be in their home.

a.       Students should identify the following: electrical appliances, electrical cords, matches & lighters, Fireplaces, materials on lamps, grills, kitchens, pot holders or paper towels left on stove, etc.

2.       Explain to students that most fires start in the kitchen and it is because people don’t pay enough attention when they are cooking. 

3.       Ask students how they can help prevent fire and injuries while their parent or guardian is working in the kitchen. 

a.       Responses will vary based on the age of students.

b.      Help watch younger children, stay out of the kitchen, only help if asked to, keep an eye on pots, don’t touch anything without permission, etc.

c.       The most important way to help is the focus of the lesson- Have a “Kid-Free” Cooking Zone in the kitchen and by the grill.

4.       Distribute the Kitchen Activity sheet. Explain that there should be a 3 ft. “Kid-Free Cooking Zone” away from the stove. Have students trace the outlined zone on the sheet.

5.       Have students identify other fire and injury hazards on the activity sheet.

a.       Younger Students: You may want to enlarge the activity sheet or project it on the screen and talk through the dangers as a whole class, while students circle/color their own sheets.

b.      Older Students: Have students work independently or in small groups to identify the hazards on the activity sheet. Discuss as a whole group the dangers in the picture.

6.       Be sure students take home the completed Activity Sheet(s) so they can discuss what they learned with their families.  

 

 Kitchen Safety Activity Sheet 

 

 

Kitchen Safety Activity Sheet Answer Key

 

 

  1. Microwave ovens can be dangerous because certain things, like metal, should never be placed in them. Also, food from the microwave can cause scalding if you don’t let it cool. Always ask an adult to test your food for you.
  2.  Pots should be on the back burners when possible. The pot shouldn’t be too big or too small for the burner. The handle should be turned to the back of the stove.
  3. Potholders should be used to touch hot items, but cloth and paper items should never hang over on lay on top of the stove.
  4.  Never play with the stove knobs. Burners should only be on when a pot is on it. 
  5. Appliances should be unplugged when they aren’t being used, but the cord should be safely wrapped up so someone doesn’t trip or pull the cord down. NEVER put an electric appliance near water.
  6. Ovens can be dangerous even when they are not turned on. Never play near a stove. 
  7.  Be careful of spills on the floors or counters. They can cause slips or electrocution.
  8.  Hot water can scald your skin. Always let an adult test how hot the water is for you. 
  9.  Knives and other sharp objects should be stored in cabinets, drawers or locked knife blocks. It is very dangerous to have a sharp object hanging over the edge of a counter.
  10. Never use cabinets, drawers, or appliances to climb up to hard to reach areas. Ask an adult for help. 

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