To teach children about potential dangers in daily life and how to protect themselves, a group of parents on the Net Dads and Moms Facebook page organized a visit to the Houhu Branch of Chiayi City Fire Department. Firefighters introduced fire safety basics to 25 children and parents, who then practiced evacuation drills, experienced thick smoke in a smoke simulation room, and got to know various firefighting vehicles and equipment.
“Fire is scary, and electrical safety is important.” Firefighters used picture books to tell stories, and also guided the kids in performing CPR, using fire extinguishers, and learning about fire trucks. Both parents and children explored together and gained an appreciation for the hard work of firefighters. The visit opened the eyes of 11 preschoolers, who participated enthusiastically and couldn’t get enough.
A group of parents met online and organized the trip together. Ms. Chen, the founder of the “Chiayi Parent-Child Play Group” Facebook community, encourages parent-child co-learning and experiential education, starting with exploring the environment around them. Since the group was established in February, they have held activities such as carrying lanterns during the Lantern Festival, visiting clinics, and connecting with nature. Membership has grown from just a handful to 124 people, who share parenting experiences with one another.
“Education doesn’t only happen in schools or with teachers,” said Ms. Chen. She provides children with opportunities to explore through their senses and learn about their surroundings. A former preschool teacher, Ms. Chen moved from Banqiao to Chiayi City with her husband. With two sons aged 2 and 4, she developed an interest in activity design and, in her spare time, promotes parent-child events to enhance peer interaction among children and expand parents’ social circles.
(China Times)