Older elementary students can understand causes and consequences. FEMA’s Be a Hero curriculum for grades 3 through 5 builds on the basics with more depth, connecting preparedness to core subjects like science, geography, and health.

⚠️ The “One lesson is enough” trap. Preparedness is a habit, not a single lesson. The curriculum reinforces learning across three lessons and a unit-wide project, so students internalize the skills rather than just memorizing them.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be considered, professional or educational advice. Adapt all activities to the age and needs of your students.

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The Readiness Audit

Do the older elementary students in your life understand emergencies?

• 🟢 Green: They can explain causes of emergencies and know how to prepare and respond.
• 🟡 Yellow: They know the basics but cannot explain why emergencies happen.
• 🔴 Red: They have never been taught about emergency preparedness.

If you are Yellow or Red, execute Phase 1 immediately.

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Phase 1: Understand Emergencies

Goal: Teach students what emergencies are and why they happen.

• The question: What is an emergency, and what causes different kinds of emergencies?
• The learning: Connect emergencies to geography, climate, and season.
• The depth: Help students understand the dangers to people in various emergencies.

The Takeaway: Understanding causes leads to better preparation.

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Phase 2: Prepare

Goal: Teach students how to build a kit and make a plan.

• The kit: Identify what should go in an emergency kit and why.
• The plan: Create a communications plan to share with families.
• The review: Evaluate plans and kits, and identify ways to improve them.

The Takeaway: Preparation is a skill students can apply at home.

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Phase 3: Respond

Goal: Teach students safe actions.

• The actions: Identify and demonstrate safe behaviors for different emergencies.
• The examples: House fires, tornadoes, and extreme weather.
• The project: Create a project that shares preparedness with the community.

The Takeaway: Knowing what to do turns awareness into action.

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The Essential Kit Checklist

• Lesson 1: Teach what emergencies are and why they happen.
• Lesson 2: Build an emergency kit and communications plan.
• Lesson 3: Practice safe actions for different emergencies.
• The project: Help students share preparedness with their community.

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Scenario Planner (Contingencies)

“My students already know the basics.” The trap: skipping the fundamentals. The fix: even students who know the basics benefit from deeper understanding and practice. Build on what they know.

“Preparedness does not fit my subject.” The trap: treating it as a separate topic. The fix: the curriculum is cross-curricular, connecting to science, geography, and health. It fits into existing lessons.

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Next: Read Part 3: Grades 6-8 to challenge middle school students to apply what they learn.