Grade Levels: K-3

In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about neighborhood and community helpers. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Community Helpers topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching About Community Helpers

Interview with a Community Helper
Ask a firefighter, police officer, paramedic, or other community helper to visit the class and talk to your students. Before the interview, have children think of questions to ask. What does the community helper do? What is his or her typical day like? What kind of education did the community helper receive? How did he or she train to be in her position? Have the community helper discuss his or her role in the community and suggest ways for your students to get involved. Getting firsthand stories and advice from a community helper is a great way for your students to become more active in and knowledgeable about the community.

Community Charades

On index cards, write the names of different community helpers such as firefighter, police officer, paramedic, veterinarian, dentist, mayor, sanitation worker, and letter carrier. If possible, use pictures to illustrate so that emerging readers can understand the cards. Put the cards into a box or hat and have student volunteers come up and pull a card, then act out the job of that community helper. Have the class guess which job is written on the card. Discuss what the helper does and why the job is important. Then place the cards on a bulletin board or word wall display for student reference.

Volunteer

If possible, have the whole class volunteer their time for the greater good of the community. You may want to participate in a community clean-up effort or raise awareness for an important local issue, such as increasing school funding. You could also organize a fundraiser, such as a weekend yard sale in the school parking lot, and donate the profits to a local organization. You may even want to start a composting or recycling program in your school, or beautify the school by painting a mural and planting donated flowers. Find an activity that you and your students (as well as their families) can all do together!

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Community Helpers

In the Community

Help your child improve your community. You may want to gather friends and neighbors to help out. Your child can plan a day of picking up litter, painting walls, or planting flowers and trees. You and your child can donate books to the library (be sure to check with your local branch to see what items they are currently accepting) or donate gently used clothing to the needy. This activity will give your child an opportunity to become move involved with the community. It is also a wonderful opportunity to meet other community members and get neighbors to become more active.

Helper List

Does your child know who to call during an emergency? Does your child know where to go if a problem occurs when adults are not home, or if there is a fire, earthquake, or other disaster? Prepare and review an easily-accessible list of community helpers for your child. Include each helper’s name, position, and contact information. Discuss how to stay safe during emergencies and select a safe meeting point in case family members get separated. Learn about your community’s emergency plans and help your child feel prepared.