Mystery Bag Teacher Guide Mystery Bag Guide
Lesson 1: Finding Our Helpers • Teacher Resource
The Hook: What's in the Bag?
This activity introduces the concept of "helpers" by using physical objects associated with different roles. It builds curiosity and helps students realize that helpers are all around us.
Materials Needed
A large, non-see-through bag (pillowcase or gift bag).
4-5 "Helper Tools" (see below).
Goal
Students will identify that adults have different roles and can be trusted to help in specific ways.
Mystery Items & Discussion Prompts
Stethoscope (or Band-aid box)
Helper: Doctor or School Nurse
"How does this person help us stay safe or feel better?"
Whistle (or Clipboard)
Helper: Gym Teacher or Recess Aide
"When might you look for a person with a whistle?"
Storybook (or Chalk)
Helper: Teacher or Librarian
"If you had a question or felt worried, could this person help?"
Large Ladle (or Apron)
Helper: Cafeteria Worker
"Who helps us during lunchtime? Are they a safe person?"
Key Definition
"A Trusted Adult is a safe grown-up who listens to us, follows the rules to keep us safe, and helps us when we are worried or hurt."
Finding Helpers Slides Finding Our Helpers
Who can we trust when we need help?
A Trusted Adult Is...
A Good Listener
They listen to your words and feelings.
A Protector
They follow rules to keep you safe.
A Helper
They help when you are hurt or worried.
Helpers at Home
Parents or Guardians
Grandparents or Aunts/Uncles
Adult Siblings or Cousins
Helpers at School
Your Teachers
School Nurse
Principals
Bus Drivers
Let's Think!
Imagine you lost your backpack at school.
Who is a trusted adult you could tell?
A Teacher?
The Principal?
The Librarian?
Helper Sort Worksheet Helper Map
Finding our trusted adults!
Name:
Date:
Directions: Draw a line from each helper to the place where you usually find them!
Home
School
Community
Our Trusted Helpers
Family
Teacher
Police
Grandma
Bus Driver
Nurse
Librarian
Firefighter
"Trusted adults are people who keep us safe and help us solve problems."
Problem o Meter Slides Big or Small?
Using the Problem-o-Meter
Small Problem: A Glitch
You can fix it!
You dropped a crayon.
You are the last one in line.
Your shoe is untied.
Big Problem: Emergency
Get help now!
Someone is badly hurt.
You see fire or smell smoke.
You feel unsafe or scared.
The Problem-o-Meter
1
Glitch
2
Medium
3
Big
4
Emergency!
Ask Yourself:
"Can I try to solve this myself,
or do I need a Trusted Adult right now?"
Glitch vs Emergency Worksheet Glitch or Emergency?
Should I get help from a trusted adult?
Name:
GLITCH (I can try to fix it)
EMERGENCY (Get help now!)
Your pencil tip broke.
A friend fell and got hurt.
You see fire in a trash can.
You want an extra snack.
You are lost in a store.
You can't zip your bag.
DIRECTIONS: Color the green circle if it's a glitch. Color the red circle if it's an emergency!
Problem Scenarios Guide Scenario Guide
Lesson 2: Big or Small Problems • Teacher Resource
Acting it Out
The best way for Kindergarteners to learn problem evaluation is through demonstration. Use these scripts to "act out" scenarios. Be slightly dramatic to keep them engaged!
Scenario 1: The Glitch
LEVEL 1
Action: Pick up a crayon, start drawing on a piece of paper, and then let it drop to the floor. Look at it and sigh loudly.
Teacher Script:
"Oh no! My favorite blue crayon fell. I was right in the middle of my beautiful sun drawing. Now it's all the way down there on the floor. What should I do??"
Discussion Questions:
Is this a Big or Small problem?
Do I need to stop everything and get a teacher right now?
What can I do to fix this glitch myself?
Scenario 2: The Emergency
LEVEL 4
Action: Walk over to a student (or empty chair) and pretend to see something very concerning. Look worried and alert.
Teacher Script:
"Wait a minute... my friend over here just fell down and they are crying very hard. They have a big scratch on their knee and they can't stand up. Oh my goodness!"
Discussion Questions:
Is this a Big or Small problem?
Can a student fix this themselves?
Why do we need a trusted adult for this?
The "Try 3" Rule
For Level 1 and 2 problems (Glitches), teach students the "Try 3" rule:
1
Try to fix it yourself.
2
Try asking a friend.
3
THEN ask a teacher.
Using Your Voice Slides Using Your Voice
How to ask for what you need!
Which voice do we use?
Quiet Voice
Too soft. People might not hear you.
Strong Voice
Assertive! Clear, calm, and firm.
THIS ONE!
Mean Voice
Too loud or scary. People might get upset.
Your Body Talks!
Look at Them
Eye contact shows you are serious.
Stand Tall
Feet on the ground, shoulders back!
Practice These Words
"I need help, please."
"Please stop. I don't like that."
"I don't feel safe."
Your Turn!
Turn to a partner. Use your Strong Voice to say:
"Can you please help me?"
Using My Voice Worksheet Using My Voice
I can speak up and ask for help!
Name:
1
Which person is using their Strong Voice? Circle it!
"i need help..." (whisper)
"I need help, please!"
"HELP ME NOW!!"
2
Draw yourself standing tall and using your voice!
3
Practice writing your safe phrase:
I NEED HELP
Puppet Roleplay Script Puppet Scripts
Lesson 3: Using Your Voice • Teacher Resource
Character 1: Pip
Pip is very shy and quiet. Pip looks at the floor, mumbles words, and hunches their shoulders. Pip doesn't think anyone will listen.
Character 2: Sunny
Sunny uses a Strong Voice . Sunny stands tall, looks directly at the person they are talking to, and speaks clearly and kindly.
Scenario 1: Pip Needs Help
Pip:
(Whispering, looking at the floor) "Um... teacher? i... i can't find my shoes. i think they are lost. um... help?"
Ask the class: "Did the teacher hear Pip? Did Pip look like they were ready for help? What was missing?"
Scenario 2: Sunny Sets a Boundary
Sunny:
(Standing tall, looking at the other puppet) "Please stop. I don't like when you pull on my shirt. It makes me feel unsafe. I need you to give me space."
Ask the class: "How did Sunny's body look? Was their voice mean or strong? Why will this help Sunny stay safe?"
Facilitation Tips
Have students repeat Sunny's phrases in their own "Strong Voices" after the puppet show.
Praise the volume (not too loud, not too soft) and posture (standing tall).
Community Helpers Slides Community Heroes
Finding help in the neighborhood!
Look for the Uniform!
Police Officers
They help when we are lost or in danger.
Firefighters
They help during fires or emergencies.
Doctors & Nurses
They help us when we are hurt or sick.
Store Workers
Look for an apron or a name tag!
Safe Strangers
"A Safe Stranger is a person we don't know, but who has a Special Job to help people stay safe in public places."
Uniforms
Badges
Name Tags
In Public Places...
At the Store
Look for a worker behind a counter.
At the Park
Look for a person in a safety vest.
Think Fast!
If you are at the zoo and lose your family,
who is a safe stranger you could find?
Uniform Match Worksheet Uniform Match
Match the community hero to their tool!
Name:
Directions: Draw a line from each helper to the tool they use to keep us safe!
POLICE
FIRE
DOCTOR
DRIVER
Safety Hero Rule
"I can look for a uniform when I need help in public!"
Safe Stranger Scenarios Guide Public Safety Guide
Lesson 4: Community Safety Heroes • Teacher Resource
The "Safe Stranger" Concept
Kindergarteners often hear "don't talk to strangers." This lesson clarifies that in an emergency, some strangers are "safe" to approach because they have a specific role to help. Use these scenarios to practice identifying them.
Scenario 1: At the Mall
"You are at the mall with your family, but you get separated. You look around and see lots of people you don't know."
Option A
A person sitting on a bench eating ice cream.
Option B
A person behind a counter with a store name tag.
Discussion: "Why is Option B the better choice? What can they do to help?"
Scenario 2: At the Park
"You are playing at the park and you see someone who looks like they are trying to hurt the playground equipment or another person."
Option A
A person walking their dog.
Option B
A police officer or a park ranger in a uniform.
Discussion: "Who has the job of keeping the park safe for everyone?"
The "Helper Rule"
"If you are lost or scared, look for a grown-up with a UNIFORM, a BADGE, or a NAME TAG. They are safe strangers who can help you find your family."
Safety Network Slides My Safety Hand
Who are your 5 trusted adults?
We Are Safety Superstars!
We Identify
We know who is a trusted adult.
We Evaluate
Glitches vs. Emergencies.
We Speak Up
We use our Strong Voice.
The 5 Finger Rule
You should have 5 people in your life that you can talk to about anything.
These people are your Safety Network .
If one person is busy, you go to the next person on your hand!
Project Time!
How to make your Helping Hand:
1
Trace your hand on the paper.
2
Write a name on each finger.
3
Draw a heart in the middle for YOU!
4
Color it and keep it safe.
You Are Safe!
Remember: You are never alone.
Your voice is powerful, and your helpers are ready!
Helping Hand Project My Helping Hand
I have a network of trusted adults!
Name:
"If I need help, I can count on my hand!"
Directions: Write the name of one trusted adult on each finger. Color your hand!
Helper 1
Helper 2
Helper 3
Helper 4
Helper 5
ME
"I have a voice!"
"I am a Superstar!"
Family Safety Letter Home-School Connection
Health & Safety Sequence: Safety Superstars
What We Learned
Over the past few weeks, your child has been learning how to stay safe and advocate for themselves. We focused on three big ideas:
Trusted Adults: Identifying safe grown-ups at home, school, and in the community.
Problem Solving: Distinguishing between small "glitches" and "emergencies" that need adult help.
Strong Voice: Using assertive language and body language to communicate needs.
How You Can Help
Ask your child to show you their Helping Hand project! This project identifies five specific people they feel safe talking to. Please discuss these names with your child and ensure they know how to contact these individuals if they ever feel unsafe or worried.
Key Vocabulary
Trusted Adult
A safe grown-up who keeps us safe and listens to our worries.
Glitch
A small problem that a child can try to fix themselves or with a friend.
Strong Voice
A clear, calm, and firm way of speaking to get help or set boundaries.
Safe Stranger
A person with a specific job (like a police officer) that we can go to in a public emergency.
Quick Tip:
Practice the "Strong Voice" at home! Have your child use it when they need a snack or are asking for a toy. It builds confidence for bigger situations.
Together, we keep our children safe and strong!