Materials
2 pieces of white poster board Multicultural crayons
Markers Pattern for a fire truck
Pattern for the firefighters Disc magnets, 4 per firefighter (40 total)Popsicle sticks Hot glue
Laminate or clear contact paper
Instructions
1. Make 10 fire fighters about 3" (7.
5 cm) tall, using multicultural crayons to show the many ethnic groups. Number the firefighters' hats from 1 to 10.
2. Mount each firefighter onto poster board and laminate or cover.
3. Draw a fire truck, a pole and other decorations on the large piece of poster board and laminate the entire board. This helps the firefighters to slide across the poster board.
4. On the back of each firefighter glue two disc magnets, one near the head and one near the feet.
5. Then put magnets onto the magnets that are already attached to the firefighters. Using hot glue, glue a popsicle stick to each of the top magnets. Make sure to write the number of the firefighter on one of the popsicle sticks. Do this with all 10 firefighters.
6. When the glue has dried, take the firefighter and popsicle stick apart, separating the magnets. Place the firefighter on the front of the poster board. Then line up the popsicle magnets behind the firefighter on the back of the board. Now, when you move the popsicle sticks, the firefighters will move. Recite this poem with the children and let them move the firefighters accordingly:Ten brave fire fighters,Standing in a row.Ding dong rings the bell,Down the pole they go.Jump on the truck,Ready to aim the hose.Climb up the ladder,Whoosh! Out the fire goes.
7. The children think it's magic. Show them that the magnets are doing the moving.
8. Show the children what happens when magnets don't attract. The firefighters fall off the board.
