Emergency Preparedness Plan

Appendix H

PRE-SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN ACTIVITIES
 
 

PLAY REENACTMENT
 

Availability of toys that encourage play reenactment of the children's experiences and observations during the traumatic experience can be helpful in integrating these experiences. Toys might include fire trucks, rescue trucks, dump trucks, ambulances, building blocks, dolls, etc.
 

PHYSICAL CONTACT
 

Children need lots of physical contact during times of stress to help regain a sense of security. Games that involved physical touching within a structure are helpful in this regard.
 

NOURISHMENT
 

Extra amounts of finger foods and fluids is a concrete way of providing the emotional and physical nourishment children need in times of stress. Oral satisfaction is especially necessary as children tend to revert to more regressive or primitive behavior in response to feelings that their survival or security is threatened.
 

PUPPETS
 

Playing with puppets can be effective in reducing inhibitions and encouraging children to verbalize feelings.
 

ART
 

Have the children do a mural on butcher paper on various topics. This is recommended for small groups with discussion afterward, directed by an adult. Have the children draw individual pictures about the event and then discuss or portray elements of their pictures in small groups. This activity allows for venting experiences and assists children to discover that others share similar fears.
 

STORIES
 

Read stories to the children that tell about other children's (or animal's) experiences in a disastrous event. This can be a non-threatening way to convey common reactions to frightening experiences as well as stimulate discussion. It is helpful to emphasize how people resolve feelings of fear.
 

FANTASY
 

Have the children make up stories about what "Superman," "Superwoman" or "Mighty Mouse" (or whoever might be the current hero) might have done to "save the day" during the event.
 

LARGE MUSCLE ACTIVITY
 

When the children are restless or anxious, any activity that involves large muscle movements are helpful. You might try your own simple version of "Jazzercise" (doing exercises to music), skipping, jumping, etc.