Sometimes I think that just because my kids are in elementary and middle school that I don’t have to go over the basics with them.
But this weekend I realized I was totally wrong.
You guys, even our ‘big kids’ need to be reminded about what to do if there’s a fire in the house, just like they need to be reminded about stranger safety and bike safety.
And right now, because National Fire Prevention Week is right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to hit your kids with a little fire safety reminders.
Really.
I am thrilled to be teaming up with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and We Are Teachers to share some pretty cool–actually the best I’ve found!–resources for fire prevention week. These resources can be used naturally at home or at school.
We’ve even got an awesome giveaway for you: an iPad mini 2 so that you can check out these resources and games with your own kids.
For real.
Here’s the skinny. . .
Fire Prevention Week–Best Resources for Home and School:
Owen and I took a long time going through these resources this weekend while Maddy and Cora were out and about, and what we realized is that he and I both did not know a lot about the history of fire safety. And we both appreciated the refresher on fire prevention. It was really cool.
We commented about the fact that the games were totally worth playing so that we remember the important how-to’s and what-to-do’s if and when a fire occurs.
Lessons From History: Seriously cool background information on fire prevention.
1. Video: author Lauren Tarshis
I love that this is ‘lessons from history’ vs ‘history lessons’. Owen and I were in awe watching this video and reading through the resources.
Lauren Tarshis is one of our favorite authors ever. (You totally know her–she writes the I Survived. . . series!) Check out this quick video on what she learned about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 while researching for I Survived The Great Chicago Fire of 1871:
I learned so much!
2. Great Chicago Fire of 1871 printables & more!
The Sparky School House site has so many resources and printables, it’s nuts.
We went right for the resources on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, though, since we had just watched the video. It’s a great combo with the video above, and if you’re not sure how to bring up the topic of fire safety with your kids, then maybe start with the video.
Show them the video.
Print out the printable.
Talk about it.
- Talk about how the fire changed history.
- Talk about how it impacted city and building design.
- Talk about how Lauren Tarshis did her research and what she learned.
- Talk about how reliable those resources were and how first-hand accounts can help in ways that data and numbers cannot.
3. Sparky’s Brain Busters App
We’ve looked at other Sparky apps in the past, but this one–Sparky’s Brain Busters–is new.
It’s free. And you can grab Sparky’s Brain Busters at the iTunes store for ios or Amazon for Android users.
The fun thing about this app is that it’s more like a game show, which Owen really loved. The goal is to answer as many questions correctly as possible in a given amount of time, and in each category.
The super cool thing is that you can play with multiple players–which is something that my kids really love since they don’t play many games this way. Any way they can sneak in a little healthy competition with each other, they’re game.
And when they’re playing with questions dealing with fire safety, fire prevention history, math, and more, it’s a win in my book.
4. Tons and tons of resources for school and families
Head to the Sparky School House site and scroll all the way down to check out all of the printables and resources. Or use the navigation bar at the top of the screen to search that way.
Either way, you will be amazed at how much is there and what an amazing age range it spans.
There is something for home and school, no matter the child’s age, maturity level, or need: videos, games, apps, printables, and more. Yay!
Definitely share the link with teachers and administrators–every activity is aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS), so it’s really worth checking out. I truly believe that these are resources worth passing along!
5. Next steps for school and family: plan and share
Honestly, our next step is to get a fire safety plan in place for our home. At our next Family Meeting, this is number one on the ‘must discuss’ list.
Most schools, by law, must have fire drills on a regular, monthly basis, but I am embarrassed to say that our family has not talked about a fire escape plan once.
Am I alone, or has your family made a fire escape plan? I’d love to know.
Until then, I’m sharing these resources with everyone I know. I’d love if you did the same.
Okay–now let’s get to the giveaway!
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GIVEAWAY: One iPad Mini 2 (32GB), retail value $319!
Do you want to win an iPad Mini 2 (32GB), retail value $319, so that you can enjoy the Sparky Brain Buster app with your family on a new device!??! Yes, yes you do.
——————————-
Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to throw your name in the hat:
This giveaway ends Friday, October 9, 2015 at midnight ET and is open to folks here in the US only. Winner will be chosen by ‘Rafflecopter’ and will be notified on or around 10/09/15. Winner must respond within three (3) days of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected. All Official Sweepstakes Rules apply.
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fyi: This post was written as a partnership with NFPA and WeAreTeachers, but as always, my opinions are my own, influenced only by my experience as a parent and educator.
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Jo-Lynne Shane says
September 21, 2015 at 3:29 pmWhat an awesome resource. And a FANTASTIC giveaway!!!!
Colleen Boudreau says
September 21, 2015 at 9:17 pmI would give it to my nieces.
Kelly D says
September 21, 2015 at 9:54 pmMy daughter would use the books. We would keep it!
Julie Wood says
September 22, 2015 at 8:06 amI would use the books for my son and we would keep this IPad for A great learning tool!!
Julie Wood says
September 22, 2015 at 8:13 amShared this giveaway on my Facebook page!
Julie Wood says
September 23, 2015 at 10:05 amHere is the link from yesterday
https://www.facebook.com/julie.wood.5015/posts/686689891462020
Susan says
September 22, 2015 at 8:38 amThanks for Sharing. I would love to win.
Susan says
September 22, 2015 at 8:47 ami will use it the books with my family and my family childcare. I WILL KEEP IT FOR MYSELF.
Diane Bode says
September 22, 2015 at 1:48 pmI would use these books in my preschool classroom. We used a lot of them when my kids were little.
steve weber says
September 22, 2015 at 4:29 pmi would totally keep this!
My other iPad is super old and this would be the upgrade I need.
thank you for the chance to win.
Tammilee T says
September 22, 2015 at 5:04 pmI would give the iPad mini to my husband for traveling. It would be perfect for keeping him entertained.
Liza says
September 22, 2015 at 5:07 pmI would keep the iPad for myself. I’ve always wanted a tablet, and so far only my kids have had the luxury!
Nancy Johnson Horn says
September 22, 2015 at 5:29 pmi WOULD GIVE THE IPAD TO MY YOUNGEST CHILD.
CR Williams says
September 22, 2015 at 5:34 pmI think I will keep it I have been wanting an iPad for a while now.
CR Williams says
September 22, 2015 at 5:39 pmShared it with one of my good friends.
Adri Gutierrez says
September 22, 2015 at 6:08 pmI’d keep it so I could do my homework and school assignments on it
Lyssa Sahadevan says
September 22, 2015 at 6:32 pmI would use this in my first grade classroom!
E Kay says
September 22, 2015 at 6:33 pmI would keep it and use it for classes
Julie Matek says
September 22, 2015 at 6:46 pmWe would keep it. My daughter would use it;)
Jennifer Scheldberg says
September 22, 2015 at 6:50 pmIt would be the family tablet for everyone to enjoy. This would be immensely awesome on long car rides.
COLLEEN LONG says
September 22, 2015 at 10:42 pmI will give it to my boyfriend, He’s such a sweet heart he deserves it.
Valentine h says
September 22, 2015 at 11:38 pmWe would use the iPad mini in our homeschool for a variety of inline research and lessons like language and learning new songs on violin and research into topics of interest and, of course, the fire safety lessons. Thanks so much for this post…after lots of fires in our area of late, we are keen to get ourselves and our kids up to date with a plan for fire and earthquakes. Thanks for the resources and inspiration!
Julie Wood says
September 23, 2015 at 10:06 amI sent an email to my sister sharing your giveaway!
Name of sister Karen Glatt
Elena says
September 23, 2015 at 11:29 amI would give it to my son
Jessica To says
September 23, 2015 at 5:37 pmThis would be for my son!
Susanne says
September 23, 2015 at 6:03 pmI love the original iPad, but it’s so heavy. The mini would be so much easier to use.
Kristin says
September 23, 2015 at 6:24 pmI am so going to look into these for educating our family!
Amanda Sakovitz says
September 23, 2015 at 6:37 pmI would keep this for myself.
Mary says
September 23, 2015 at 6:40 pmMy son would use it
Jennifer h. says
September 23, 2015 at 7:08 pmI have 2 wonderful little boys who have Autism. my oldest would love to use it to help with his communication needs (he is non-verbal).
Jason says
September 23, 2015 at 7:26 pmI would give it to my son to watch Netflix and play games.
Natalie says
September 23, 2015 at 8:11 pmI would give this ipad to my mom so that she can look online for recipes and upload pictures and check email!
Julie Wood says
September 24, 2015 at 9:28 amI shared your giveaway on Facebook with my friend Julie cutshaw
https://www.facebook.com/julie.wood.5015/posts/687490148048661
Lee McKeon says
September 24, 2015 at 9:41 amI would give it to my daughter!
Elle says
September 24, 2015 at 10:22 amI would keep the tablet for myself..or rather for my family to share.
Jeanna says
September 24, 2015 at 10:57 amI would give this to my son for Christmas!
Patti says
September 24, 2015 at 12:24 pmI will be keeping this ipad for myself. I would love to win it!!!
CR Williams says
September 24, 2015 at 5:27 pmShared it via Facebook
Sara G says
September 24, 2015 at 5:40 pmI would keep the ipad for my two kid’s to use.
Heather hayes panjon says
September 24, 2015 at 8:52 pmI Would Gift This to my niece .
Tabathia B says
September 24, 2015 at 10:08 pmI would give it to one of my daughters
Kim D. says
September 25, 2015 at 12:12 amI would like to give this to my mom.
bunny butt says
September 25, 2015 at 2:13 ami would give it to my dad
Angela W says
September 25, 2015 at 10:52 ami would give it to my son who I know would enjoy it!
Lauren says
September 25, 2015 at 2:16 pmI would keep it, but I’m sure my kids would try to use it too.
Sara Cunningham says
September 25, 2015 at 9:56 pmThis would be a great birthday present for my husband.
Deb K says
September 25, 2015 at 11:41 pmI would so keep this!
Terra Heck says
September 26, 2015 at 2:30 amI’d keep it for myself and use it to play games, browse the INternet, and listen to music. Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Wu Kyin Woo says
September 26, 2015 at 9:35 amI like to have it too.
Jennifer Marie says
September 26, 2015 at 11:00 amIf I won I would give it to my son. I would also play on it some too 🙂 .
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
September 26, 2015 at 11:15 amMy nephew would be the one using it! he would be so excited.
Chase says
September 26, 2015 at 12:50 pmI would Give it to my mother, she uses her ancient iphone to view everything from pictures of her grandchildren to articles.
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
September 26, 2015 at 3:27 pmIf I won, I will be giving this Ipad to my son. It has been on his wish list for some time 🙂
Tara says
September 26, 2015 at 4:45 pmMy kids will use it for learning games!
ginette4 says
September 26, 2015 at 6:01 pmI would keep it and I would use it myself
James Robert says
September 26, 2015 at 7:29 pmI would keep it and my kids and I would all enjoy it
Shannon says
September 26, 2015 at 7:44 pmI would give this my niece and thank you for the chance to win it for her.
Thomas Murphy says
September 26, 2015 at 7:47 pmI shared this with all my facebook friends.
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/958868570850846?pnref=story
Laura ari says
September 26, 2015 at 8:24 pmI would use it to enter giveaways!
Tammy Woodall says
September 26, 2015 at 8:38 pmI would definitely keep the iPad Mini 2 for myself.
Jennifer Reed says
September 27, 2015 at 12:53 amI would keep this iPad Mini 2 for my kids to use to do some of the online homework that they need to accomplish here at home.
Dawn Monroe says
September 27, 2015 at 1:04 pmI would share with my grand kids when they are over.
Laura J says
September 27, 2015 at 1:07 pmWe would use it for schooling, and I would also love to use it for cooking in the kitchen! Would be great for when I am trying a new recipe online!
Wehaf says
September 27, 2015 at 4:09 pmI would give this to my boyfriend; he uses an iPad for work when he travels, and his is old and bluky compared to this one.
Shayna says
September 27, 2015 at 6:06 pmMY SON WOULD USE THE iPAD 🙂
Thomas Murphy says
September 27, 2015 at 9:37 pmI shared this with all my facebook friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/959341650803538?pnref=story
Gina M (Wild Orchid) says
September 28, 2015 at 9:34 amwould love to gift an ipad mini to my mom. She has wanted one forever!
Entered the Rafflecopter as “Wild Orchid
”Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Jennifer Rote says
September 28, 2015 at 9:40 amI would keep the iPad for myself. Think I’ll have to fight with my son though!
Jennifer J. says
September 28, 2015 at 11:16 amI would definitely keep it for my kids and I to use. they love learning through computer games, and I love being able to use Apple apps.
Janell Poulette says
September 28, 2015 at 3:44 pmI woudl keep it so my kids could play with it.
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
September 28, 2015 at 6:22 pmShared on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsy.r.barnes.9/posts/10153139251972393?pnref=story 🙂
carol clark says
September 28, 2015 at 6:30 pmmy kids will be using it as i will be giving it to them as they need it
carol clark says
September 28, 2015 at 6:34 pmshared with my friend sherry
Stefanie Gladden says
September 28, 2015 at 7:45 pmI would keep it and use it all the time!
Serena Powell says
September 28, 2015 at 7:47 pmi’d keep it for myself. I’ve been wanting an iPad forever.
Natalie S says
September 28, 2015 at 10:07 pmWhat a fun giveaway! Would love to keep this for our family – we don’t have an ipad!
Thomas Murphy says
September 28, 2015 at 10:30 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/959814480756255?pnref=story
Trish F says
September 29, 2015 at 3:40 pmI would keep this for myself as my 5-6 year old original iPad is on its last leg. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Starla b says
September 29, 2015 at 6:05 pmThis is so awesome! I would definitely keep this and use it for my pre-nursing studies, I think it would be extremely helpful! I would also share it with my Nana who loves to play games and read!
Ellen casper says
September 29, 2015 at 9:23 pmI would keep it for me – GREAT FOR EMAIL and watching movies.
Mary Cloud says
September 29, 2015 at 10:03 pmI will keep this for myself to play games on
Crystal S says
September 30, 2015 at 12:38 amI would share this with my husband. It would be great to take on our travels, also!
LISA says
September 30, 2015 at 1:20 pmI would keep it for myself – always wanted one!!
Jenn H says
September 30, 2015 at 3:39 pmWe’d love this as a resource for homeschooling!! it would be incredibly helpful!
Thomas Murphy says
September 30, 2015 at 10:53 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/960720497332320?pnref=story
Jennifer F says
October 1, 2015 at 8:45 amI would keep the ipad mini. My current one is broken and only works occasionally so i’ve been hoping to get a new one soon.
Erika w. says
October 1, 2015 at 11:48 amI would give this to my son so he can facetime his grandparents and play games.
Karla R. says
October 1, 2015 at 3:38 pmI would give it to my daughter. She’s been wanting a new iPad.
RJ says
October 1, 2015 at 4:20 pmI would keep this for myself. I would love an ipad.
Thomas Murphy says
October 1, 2015 at 9:16 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/961149807289389?pnref=story
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
October 1, 2015 at 9:16 pmShared on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsy.r.barnes.9/posts/10153144066187393 🙂
BerkeleyHapa says
October 1, 2015 at 10:10 pmI would love a new ipad mini for e-reading and all of the great apps!
Linda says
October 2, 2015 at 5:04 pmI would keep this and give my husband my current one!
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
October 2, 2015 at 8:16 pmShared on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betsy.r.barnes.9/posts/10153145416132393?pnref=story 🙂
Thomas Murphy says
October 2, 2015 at 8:29 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/961576920580011?pnref=story
Emily N. says
October 2, 2015 at 9:27 pmI would keep it for myself. I have wanted a chance to try the mini size ipads!
shelly says
October 3, 2015 at 10:02 amI would keep this for myself because I have a broken tablet.
Liza C says
October 3, 2015 at 3:29 pmIt would be for my daughter! She’s been wanting an iPad 🙂
Wanda McHenry says
October 3, 2015 at 8:59 pmI would give it to my husband so he can look up sports. I have my IPad 2 docked for music and like to keep it there.
Thomas Murphy says
October 3, 2015 at 10:22 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/962042487200121?pnref=story
Heather Hayes Panjon says
October 4, 2015 at 7:58 amI Shared with all my facebook friends https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10205007656818791&id=1463222793&pnref=story
Angie Bailey says
October 4, 2015 at 9:16 amMy teenage son would use this.
Amber Campbell says
October 4, 2015 at 2:58 pmi would probably keep it for my self and hand the “old” one down to my daughter
Megan C says
October 4, 2015 at 4:15 pmI would put this away for Christmas. My son would love to see this under the tree.
Patricia Delgado says
October 4, 2015 at 4:53 pmI would gift it to my 5 year old daughter, she has autism and there are so many apps out these day to help her communicate.
Heather Dawn says
October 4, 2015 at 5:09 pmI would love to give this to my oldest son! He would love to read books, play Minecraft, and watch Netflix on it!
Klydra Pugh says
October 4, 2015 at 6:08 pmI’d keep it for our family to share
Thanks for the chance
Thomas Murphy says
October 4, 2015 at 9:40 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/962506547153715?pnref=story
Kristen says
October 4, 2015 at 11:00 pmI’ll keep this for myself.
Leah says
October 5, 2015 at 10:39 pmI’d keep this for me! I don’t have a laptop, so this would kind of be my “pseudo” laptop because browsing on my phone is not ideal.
Thomas Murphy says
October 5, 2015 at 10:41 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/962981423772894?pnref=story
Candie L says
October 5, 2015 at 11:08 pmI would give this to my youngest son. He really likes apple products. Thank you
sarah s says
October 6, 2015 at 12:11 amI would keep it and share it with my sister. And I would use it studying,reading,watching videos, internet access and all the different apps:)
sarah s says
October 6, 2015 at 12:20 amI shared here:https://plus.google.com/u/0/104668450168435059018/posts/EhvtmgQ9M7k Thanks for the chance:)
Kathryn says
October 6, 2015 at 1:03 amI would love to give it to my kids!
Paul Howard says
October 6, 2015 at 7:43 amthis would be a perfect holiday gift for my four year old daughter!
heather eg kaufman says
October 6, 2015 at 12:36 pmThis would be for my deployed husband.
Anna Pry says
October 6, 2015 at 3:19 pmI would probably give it as a gift, not sure yet who would be the lucky recipient…?
Sarah Hall says
October 6, 2015 at 5:41 pmI would give it to my grandson so he could use it for school or watch movies on it.
Tina m says
October 6, 2015 at 8:02 pmI will keep this!
Thomas Murphy says
October 6, 2015 at 8:54 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/963411543729882?pnref=story
Tara L says
October 6, 2015 at 10:44 pmi will want to win this for myself so I can use it for my studies and i am thinking about going to nursing school and having things on the go with my sons football games and such i will have something to do as well as take pictures..
Heather B says
October 6, 2015 at 10:48 pmI would definitely be keeping this to use with my 3 children.
Adriana says
October 7, 2015 at 5:48 amI would keep it 🙂
Sarah S says
October 7, 2015 at 10:05 amMy father is a teacher at a school with less than adequate resources. I’d give it to him to use in the classroom. I know those kiddos need it and would appreciate it!
GB says
October 7, 2015 at 12:51 pmI would keep the ipad mini for myself!
Thomas Murphy says
October 7, 2015 at 8:38 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/963845010353202?pnref=story
Kayla Hall says
October 8, 2015 at 11:30 amI have 5 kids – of course I’ll share it with them!
Jill Piniotes says
October 8, 2015 at 12:17 pmMy kids broke my last one so I’m keeping it!
Danny B says
October 8, 2015 at 1:27 pmthat’s a tough call — maybe I would share it… just maybe.
Jared Schmidt says
October 8, 2015 at 1:53 pmthis would be perfect for my school I’m in dental school currently.
Sarah Gash says
October 8, 2015 at 2:22 pmI would keep the ipad mini for myself!
Julie Szyba says
October 8, 2015 at 2:46 pmI’d keep it for our family to share
Thanks for the chance
Betsy Rubendall Barnes says
October 8, 2015 at 5:16 pmMy FB share: https://www.facebook.com/betsy.r.barnes.9/posts/10153153570242393 🙂
Thomas Murphy says
October 8, 2015 at 6:55 pmI shared this on facebook with all my friends
https://www.facebook.com/tom.murphy.946179/posts/964280433642993?pnref=story