Talking to children about safety
The first week at Sunflower Seedlings Preschool is all about discovery and, most importantly, laying the groundwork for a safe learning space. Since we’re an outdoor, nature-based preschool, safety is always our top priority. To set the tone for the year, we’ll spend time introducing and practicing simple safety guidelines with the children—guidelines that we’ll continue to build on as the year goes on.
The first week at Sunflower Seedlings Preschool is about new beginnings—making friends, exploring nature, and setting the stage for a safe and fun school year. As a nature-based preschool, safety is always our top priority. To help the children feel confident and secure while they explore, we’ll spend this first week introducing and practicing some simple safety guidelines.
We believe kids learn best when they know what’s expected of them, so we’re starting the year by introducing our Sunflower Safety Guide—a set of five key rules designed to keep everyone safe while they explore and play outdoors. These are developmentally appropriate and give children the tools they need to to jump into the adventures ahead.
The Sunflower Safety Guide: 5 Simple Rules
Safety vest
“I always wear my safety vest so my teacher/trusted grownup can see me easily”
Each child will wear a safety vest so their teacher can see them at all times. This little step makes a big difference in keeping everyone together and safe.Play Boundaries
“I play inside the cones to explore safely”
We’ll use cones to mark safe play areas and show kids where they can explore freely. Knowing their boundaries helps them feel secure while still encouraging independence.Whistle
“When I hear the whistle, I stop what I’m doing and go to my teacher right away because it’s important!”
When they hear the whistle, kids will practice stopping what they’re doing and coming to their teacher right away. It’s a simple signal to keep everyone safe in the moment.Respect for nature: Look, don’t pick
“I respect nature by leaving flowers and plants for everyone to enjoy”
To protect our environment, we’ll teach children to admire plants and flowers without picking them so everyone can enjoy nature’s beauty. Note: We will allow children to pick plants from our children’s garden but not from surrounding areas.Ask before eating: Safety first with plants
“I only eat plants if my teacher/trusted grown up says they are safe”
Kids will learn to ask their teacher or a trusted adult before eating any plants they find. This keeps them safe while encouraging their curiosity about the natural world.
Seedling Gathering
During our first week, these gatherings will focus on introducing and exploring our Sunflower Safety Guide in a way that’s meaningful. We’ll have open conversations about the safety rules. We’ll ask children questions like:
“Why do you think we wear our safety vests?”
“What should we do if we hear the whistle?”
“How can we take care of the plants and flowers we see?”
We’ll also use role-playing as an interactive way to practice these rules. For example:
We might act out stopping and coming to the teacher when they hear the whistle.
We’ll pretend to admire flowers and plants without picking them.
We’ll take turns deciding what to do if we’re unsure whether a plant is safe to touch or eat.
Through these activities, the children will have the opportunity to build their understanding of the guidelines.
Making Safety Fun: Our Sunflower Safety Coloring Book
To make learning these guidelines more engaging, we’ve created a Sunflower Safety Coloring Book for the children. It’s full of fun illustrations that bring the safety rules to life in a way that’s easy for little ones to understand. During small group time, the kids will get to color their books, helping them connect with the safety concepts in a creative and hands-on way.
We encourage families to review the coloring book at home with their child. It’s a great way to reinforce what we’re learning at school and to start conversations about staying safe while exploring. Children are welcome to bring their coloring books to school each day as a helpful reminder.
Looking Ahead
We know that safety is an ongoing conversation, so we’ll adapt and build on these guidelines as the year goes on. Our goal is to create an environment where children feel confident and ready to explore the world around them in a safe way.
We’re so excited to welcome your little ones to Sunflower Seedlings Preschool! By working together, we’ll create a safe space where kids can play, learn, and connect with nature. Stay tuned for stories and updates from our first week!
Introductions
Welcome to the first week of our Sunflower Seedlings Preschool pilot program! This week is all about introducing the outdoor classroom, building connections, and fostering a respect for nature.
Exploring the Outdoors: Our First Week at Sunflower Seedlings Preschool
Here is a look at the lesson plan for the first week of Sunflower Seedlings Preschool pilot program! Our first week will be February 3-7th.This week is all about introducing the outdoor classroom, building connections, and fostering a respect for nature. Through hands-on experiences, storytelling, and play, children will begin their journey of exploration at Beacon Food Forest.
Throughout the week, children will have time for free exploration, gardening, wildlife observation, and child-led discovery.
Monday: Welcome to the Outdoor Classroom
We begin the week by introducing the outdoor learning space, discussing boundaries, and setting expectations for respect and safety.
Highlights:
Seedling Gathering: Singing our gathering song to build community.
Exploring the Space: Children learn about the different features of our outdoor classroom and safety measures.
Reflection: Each child shares something they found interesting.
Story & Snack: Goatilocks and the Three Bears by Erica S. Pearl, paired with oat meal, mixed berries, and hot chocolate.
Small Group Activity: Coloring the Sunflower Safety Guide to reinforce classroom expectations through visuals.
Lunch Time Story: What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele.
Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.
Skill Development:
Understanding safety rules through discussion and visual reinforcement.
Developing vocabulary and comprehension by engaging with rules.
Strengthening observation and awareness through safety exercises.
Encouraging fine motor skills through coloring.
Social and emotional growth by encouraging responsibility and cooperation.
Tuesday: Getting to Know Each Other
We introduce a fun, nature-inspired name game to help children learn each other’s names.
Highlights:
Seedling Gathering: Singing our gathering song.
Nature Name Game: Each child introduces themselves and their favorite nature element (e.g., "My name is ___, and I love ___!" with a matching movement).
Snack & Story: The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel paired with gala apples, sunflower butter, string cheese, and mint tea.
Small Group Activity: Using magnifying glasses to observe natures tiny details.
Lunch Time Story: This Is Our House by Hyewon Yum.
Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.
Skill Development:
Encouraging curiosity and scientific thinking through close observation.
Building vocabulary and descriptive language skills.
Strengthening fine motor skills through handling magnifying glasses.
Promoting patience and teamwork during shared discoveries.
Wednesday: Exploration Day!
Children will have the freedom to explore and share their curiosity about nature.
Highlights:
Seedling Gathering: "What do you hope to discover today?" discussion.
Snack & Story: Reach for the Stars by Emily Calandrelli, paired with dried pineapple, pita chips, hummus and hot water with cinnamon.
Small Group Activity: Blowing bubbles to explore movement and breath control.
Lunch Time Story: I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde.
Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.
Skill Development:
Developing gross motor skills by chasing and popping bubbles.
Encouraging mindfulness and sensory awareness through gentle play.
Thursday: Appreciating Nature
Children reflect on their favorite parts of nature and discuss how we can care for the Earth.
Highlights:
Seedling Gathering: Sharing thoughts on appreciating nature.
Snack & Story: The Whole Wide World and Me by Toni Yuly, served with mini sunflower butter and grape jelly organic white bread sandwiches, apple sauce, and hot chocolate.
Small Group Activity: Matching animals to their habitats.
Lunch Time Story: Our Environment by Jennifer Waddle.
Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.
Skill Development:
Strengthening memory and categorization skills through matching games.
Expanding environmental awareness and vocabulary.
Encouraging teamwork and turn-taking.
Friday: Creating Our Nature Books
Each child begins a personal Nature Book to document their outdoor experiences.
Highlights:
Seedling Gathering: Reflecting on the week by discussing, "What was your favorite thing you saw in nature this week?"
Snack & Story: Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf, with string cheese, oranges, carrot zucchini bread, and orange tea.
Small Group Activity: Drawing in their Nature Books to document their favorite discoveries.
Lunch Time Story: Tree by Britta Teckentrup.
Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.
Skill Development:
Enhancing memory and observational skills.
Strengthening fine motor skills through drawing and writing.
Encouraging storytelling and self-expression.
Looking Ahead
This first week lays the foundation for a year of curiosity, adventure, and nature connections. We can’t wait to see how our little Seedlings grow as they explore the world around them!
Stay tuned for next week’s adventures!