• Home
  • About
  • FREE Resource Library
  • Blog
  • Complete List of Products
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • My Downloads
    • My Cart
    • Checkout
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram

Special Needs for Special Kids

Providing you tools to save time and build confidence teaching students with the most significant disabilities

October 1, 2018

Fire Safety Month Activities

October is here, and for many of us, that means it is time to teach about Fire Safety.  I always found this a fun topic to teach, and there are so many great resources out there you can use to add to your lessons.  If you would like a FREE LESSON PLAN to use with this unit, scroll to the bottom of this post.

****I HAVE A FEW FREE DOWNLOADS AVAILABLE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST. ****

When teaching students who have significant learning and often physical challenges it can often be hard to relay the seriousness of this information with adding to a student’s anxiety and confusion.  Here are some activities I found to be really helpful.

Vocabulary Boards

Consider using a vocabulary board when teaching about fire safety.

vocab board

I found utilizing a vocabulary board as a constant in my lesson was really helpful in keeping everyone on the same page and engaged.  I used this board when doing activities or even when watching YouTube videos.  It encouraged interaction and sharing even for students who were more verbal.

Books

Of course, I really like to use books, and of course books on my student’s level could be really difficult to find.  However, I did find for this particular topic there were quite a few good books in the library that were fairly engaging and my students seemed to enjoy it.  Of course, I did end up writing some of my own as well.

stories and power card

Small group stories

For this particular unit, I knew it would be difficult to practice a fire drill in different locations around the school.  But, the reality is you never know where you and your students will be when the fire alarm goes off.  So, as a group activity each day, we would sequence the steps, matching pictures to words on what you would do if there was a fire alarm while working in class, during the time in the library (or other enhancement class), and while eating lunch in the cafeteria.  Although it is not a substitute for actually practicing the real thing in different locations, it was a good substitute.

small group cards

Sorting Activities

I LOVE doing sorting activities with my students.  They are fairly easy to set up and easy to differentiate with color-coding.  (Read my post on Color Coding for Differentiation to learn more about that.)  For this particular unit, I did a safe and non-safe sorting activity.  It served as double duty because I did a color version in class and sent the black and white version home to do with their parents.  Gotta love that purposeful repetition.

safe unsafe sorting

Sequencing Strips

I find it is always a great review tool to have students sequence a process.  It is easy to differentiate by quickly writing numbers on the pictures, and it is also a great way for students to practice first,  next, and last.  We did two different sequencing activities for fire safety month.  One was a simple stop, drop, and roll sequence.

stop drop roll

Students would hold the cards and put them in the correct order.  Of course, we had to model the sequence as well.  Super fun.  In the free lesson plan below, I have several good Stop, Drop, and Roll videos on YouTube for reference (including one for older students).

The other sequencing activity I did related to the steps we would have to follow when there was a fire drill.  You can download this one for free by clicking the button at the bottom of this post.

sequence strip

Social Stories

You know I LOVE a good social story.  Reviewing proper behavior during a fire drill was a great one to read.  We also practiced a mock fire drill every day.  That may seem really disruptive to your daily routine, but it is really worth it if there ever was an emergency.  There are so many sensory issues wrapped up with the fire alarm.  It is loud, it can be crowded in the hallway, and it is a totally unexpected part of the daily routine.   For this unit, I used 2 social stories.  I had one I created using photos that we would read at the beginning of the lesson.  I also made one that just had black and white symbols from Boardmaker they could color and take home.  If you would like a free copy of the black and white booklet, Fire Drills, click the button at the bottom of this post.

Power Cards

Have you ever used a power card?  They are a really great tool when you are working on social skills in various locations.  They are small, usually the size of an index card that summarizes the key points in the social story.  I like to let students personalize their cards with stickers or other art media to make them look “cool.”  They can be differentiated to meet the need of the student.  Some use pictures, and some use words.  The ones for the fire drill should be kept in a specific location once you are done teaching this unit so students can take the cards with them whenever there is a fire drill.

I hope you found some helpful tips and suggestions in this post.  Sometimes I think I am just documenting what people already know, but maybe there was one part you want to add to your own lessons this year.  Thanks for all you do for our special kids.  The difference you make is immeasurable.

Check out my complete unit on Fire Safety:

fire safety unit

PS  Don’t forget to get your free activities by clicking the button below.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Previous
Next

SHOP

Check out my resources

SHOP NOW

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Hi!

I'm Christa Joy

My mission is to give parents and teachers the tools they need in order to feel effective and confident teaching even the most challenging of students.
Read More

Join our Newsletter

Sign up for access to the free library!

New on the Blog

Best strategies for behavior management: a roundup of 10 posts and helpful downloads

California Gold Rush for kids in special education classrooms

Hands-on activities for rocks and minerals in a special education classroom

My Shop

Complete curriculum units in math, ELA, science, social studies as well as social story units for students Pre-K through high school.

SHOP NOW

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Join our Newsletter

Sign up for access to the free library!

It's another Wednesday, and another free worksheet It's another Wednesday, and another free worksheet. Have you ever had your students write a story? This is a great way to start. Download the free worksheet this week and get your students writing a story about their perfect day. Message me for the link or go to my bio. Download it here: https://bit.ly/2OW3lmQ #specialneedsforspecialkids #freeworksheetwednesday #distancelearning
What does your perfect day look like? Give your s What does your perfect day look like? Give your students a chance to describe their perfect day using either their own words and pictures or choosing from some that are provided. If you want to get this worksheet free this Wednesday then send me a DM and I will get you the info. #specialneedsforspecialkids #freeworksheetwednesday #myperfectday
Who has the time to hunt down the perfect behavior Who has the time to hunt down the perfect behavior strategy or social story? I know parents are teachers are BUSY!! . So, I pulled together my top 10 blog posts that contain strategies for behavior management in the classroom, home, and the community. Al in one easy-to-find place and clickable list. . It includes: Attention Seeking Behavior: Strategies for the classroom Power Cards: an effective behavior management tool Dealing with profanity in the classroom Picture schedule for home: An effective and easy tool for behavior management How to solve this common behavior problem Escape behavior interventions for school and home Being a Good Sport Community Trips & Challenging Behaviors Part 1 Community Trips & Challenging Behaviors Part 2 Safety in the community for the individual, you, and the public. . The best part! They ALL have a free download to help you out, NOW, when you need it most. . Send me a DM for the link, or read more here: https://specialneedsforspecialkids.org/2021/02/22/best-strategies-for-behavior-management-a-roundup-of-10-posts-and-helpful-downloads/ #specialneedsforspecialkids #behaviormanagement #behaviorstrategies
This year.... I stepped back from making new resou This year.... I stepped back from making new resources this year so I could spend time updating, expanding, and (honestly) improving some older units. With almost 800 resources this is a BIG commitment. It will likely take me all of 2021 to get through my novel units. But I am determined and know it will be worth it in the long run for YOU. For teachers who work with those students who are the MOST severely impacted. That is where my 💕 lies. With those teachers who are determined to do what no one thinks is possible. I want you to have the best tools possible so you can focus your attention, time and energy on teaching and not hunting for resources. It may be a long year, but I am devoted to this mission and these teachers. #specialneedsforspecialkids #specialeducationteacher #specialedteacher
FREE for you ❤️️. . Three new downloads adde FREE for you ❤️️. . Three new downloads added to the Free Resource Library. A little ELA, a little math, and a little life skills practice. . Something for everyone. Click the link in my bio. Find this image, and head over. . Need the password? Message me to sign up. . https://specialneedsforspecialkids.org/resource-library/ #specialneedsforspecialkids #freeresourcelibrary #distancelearning
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE . There is a GREAT free w FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE . There is a GREAT free worksheet this Wednesday. The digital version has an additional step for students to complete. ❤️️💚💙 . Want the link? Just MESSAGE ME, and I will send you the direct link to the worksheet so you can use it today!! #specialneedsforspecialkids #freeworksheetwednesday #distancelearning
Is the California Gold Rush in your curriculum? N Is the California Gold Rush in your curriculum? Need some ideas on how to make this work for students in a special education setting with significant challenges? . I have ideas on books, activities, vocabulary, assessment, and MORE!! With the right materials, this can be a fun time period to teach about. . Head over to my latest blog post for some great ideas and a free panning for gold activity you can download. . Click the link in my bio or DM me for the link. #specialneedsforspecialkids #californiagoldrush #socialstudiesteacher
I wanted to let everyone know I am DONE updating a I wanted to let everyone know I am DONE updating and expanding James and the Giant Peach :). . I have separated it into 2 separate units. One is completely in color and one is complete in black and white. . I also added comprehension questions. There are 3 questions for each chapter (these chapters are so short) with 3 picture answer choices. . Remember, if you already own it, you get all these updates for free. . DM me for the direct link to check it out 🙂 #specialedteacher #jamesandthegiantpeach #roalddahl
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Special Needs for Special Kids · Hello You Designs