Little Tigers meet community helpers

Little Tigers Preschool sets aside one to two weeks each year to introduce its students to people who help keep the community safe. Teachers shape the lessons to fit each age group, and students meet firefighters, police officers, medical professionals and others.

For Lauren Warren, auxiliary Pre-K teacher, the goal is not just knowledge but comfort. She said the program helps children feel safer around people they may only see in emergencies.

“I want my students to understand how to stay safe and to know that community helpers are always available to help them,” Warren said. “It is important that students do not feel fear when visiting the dentist or doctor, or when encountering firefighters or police officers. I want them to recognize these individuals as trusted helpers whose role is to keep them safe and healthy.”

Baillie Bonn, investigators teacher for the threeand four-year-olds, said the children prepared by talking about what would happen and by listening to books read to them about what police officers and firefighters do at their jobs.

“It’s extremely important for the children to learn about our community helpers, so they know who to call for help,” Bonn said. “They learn how to call for help, how to ask for help and what to do in an emergency.”

This year’s community helpers segment included visits from Sgt. Antonio Melecio and Officer Hunter Swinney of the Russellville Police Department and Russellville firefighter Aaron Lynch.

Melecio is the stepfather of a child at the preschool. Jodie Boyles, also a parent of a child at the preschool, as well as the school nurse at Russellville Elementary School, also visited.

“Our Littlest Tigers, ages one and two, had the opportunity to view the police vehicle and fire truck,” Warren said. “Ageappropriate discussions regarding duties, safety gear and equipment were reserved for the three-, four- and five-year-old students.”

During the police visit, officers explained their uniforms, demonstrated the tools they use in their daily work, and brought flashlights and handcuffs for the children to see and touch.

Students also listened as officers communicated with one another using walkie-talkies. They sat inside a police vehicle and watched the lights and siren during a demonstration, which Warren said they were “very excited” about getting to do.

Tessa McClellan, head teacher in the Tweens Investigators classroom, said the hands-on parts kept students’ attention.

“I liked how engaging it was for the students and how they stayed focused on the officers that came,” she said. “The students were very excited seeing the fireman and trucks.”

Before firefighters arrived, teachers read “Pete the Cat: Firefighter Pete” and “The Gingerbread Man Loose on the Fire Truck.”

The firefighters explained their work putting out fires and responding to vehicle accidents and other emergencies.

Students learned what to do in an emergency and practiced basic safety skills, including “Stop, Drop and Roll,” how to identify a family meeting place, and how to know when to call 911.

Lynch demonstrated the protective gear firefighters wear so students could see what they might look like during an emergency.

The visit ended with a tour of a fire truck and its equipment, along with a chance for students to climb inside and ring the bell.

Sparky, the RFD’s animatronic fire hydrant, quickly became a favorite, drawing smiles, high fives and requests for photos.

“They loved seeing Sparky, and they all wanted to pose with him and pet him,” McClellan said.

Boyles focused her visit on everyday habits that help children stay healthy and safe.

She spoke about proper handwashing, how to cover coughs and sneezes and the importance of healthy eating. The lesson also covered the importance of brushing teeth twice a day, going for regular well-check visits and following directions to stay safe.

Warren said the children continue to use what they learned through the experiences.

“After meeting community helpers, students demonstrated increased engagement in dramatic play both in the classroom and on the playground, applying what they learned through meaningful, imaginative play,” she said.