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