Happy 50th, Smokey Bear! A Learning Kit about Forests and Fire Safety for Grades K-3.

In 1994, Smokey Bear turns 50! For a half century, Smokey has been helping children and adults protect forests and wildlands from careless fire. With this kit students can celebrate Smokey's message using a variety of activities that include dramatic play, stories, games, and things to make and do. Through these activities, students learn about Smokey Bear, about forests as habitats, and about what they can do to protect the forests. The kit encourages children to recognize Smokey Bear as a symbol of forest fire prevention and to take pride in their own responsible behavior toward fire. The lessons and activities in the guide were designed for the classroom teacher of kindergarten and first, second, and third grades. The kit provides 11 lessons that include both individual and whole group activities. The booklet provides teachers with background facts about Smokey Bear, fire, and forest habitats. Ten other activities comprise the main body of the document. Each activity is described, and objectives, grade level, group size, and materials are specified. A reading list, additional classroom resources, a colorful poster, and a puzzle are included. (LL)