Young children should be taught the difference between hot and cool, as well as the risks of touching hot items. There are many things inside and outside that are hot or could get hot. Things that get hot can cause serious burns. Burn injuries hurt and take a long time to heal. Preschoolers need to be able to identify items that are hot and sometimes hot. Children should learn to stay away from anything that can get hot.
In this lesson each child will be able to:
- distinguish between hot things, cool things, and things that can be hot or cool.
- recognize safe actions around hot and potentially hot items.
Download the lesson. (PDF, 8 MB)
Download the "Don’t Touch Hot Things" song.
Bonus video with Sparky the Fire Dog
This interactive 3 ½-minute video is a great way for children to practice identifying items that are hot, sometimes hot, and not hot. Use the video to supplement the body of the lesson or to assess student learning.