CHILD, Inc. is presently using a curriculum developed specifically for pre-schoolers dealing with the area of personal safety. It ranges from talking about water, fire, and traffic safety, to children protecting themselves from dangerous situations involving people.
Fostering positive self-esteem in children is at the heart of any good pre-school program. Children need assistance in developing confidence in their abilities and qualities. Parents and teachers can help foster children’s ability to make decisions and take care of themselves. Along with this is the all important task of teaching children an awareness of their own feelings. Both these areas are critical and need to be applied to teaching children about safety. When a situation is unsafe, or potentially abusive, some children get a queasy, uncomfortable feeling which serves to warn them of impending danger. Teaching children to use their internal warning system gives them a second layer of defense and offers them some power and control over their lives.
The curriculum is designed to be used for the entire year. Depending on the concept being introduced, the length of the lessons will vary, most averaging fifteen minutes. Teachers use activities, books, songs, and games to reinforce concepts. Nearing the end of the curriculum, a film is shown entitled “Willy Learns the Touching Rule”. This film reinforces the entire curriculum for children.
It is important to note that PARENT INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROGRAM.
At the beginning of the year, parents are introduced to the curriculum at a parent meeting. Education staff continue to inform parents about the curriculum as they bring portions of the curriculum on Home Visits. Parents are also informed when the film is going to be shown in the classroom. We strongly encourage you to view this film with your child. This will establish and strengthen your child’s link between home and school. Let’s work together to promote self esteem as we emphasize self care, responsibility and assertiveness building with our children.
Excerpts taken from: “Talking About Touching II”
Committee for Children