Little Red Riding Hood Talks to Strangers

Teaching stranger danger to little kids may be difficult. Thinking about ideas for the SEL workshop with my very young learners (5 and 6) I decided to work with Little Red Riding Hood.

Using the story of Little Red Riding Hood is a fantastic way to teach young children about stranger danger in a way that's relatable and understandable to them. Here are some ideas you might consider:


Storytelling Session:

Read the Story: Begin by reading the story of Little Red Riding Hood to the children, emphasizing the importance of not talking to or going with strangers.

Interactive Reading: 

Pause at crucial points in the story to discuss what Red could have done differently to stay safe.

Role-Playing:

Act Out Scenarios: Divide the children into roles (Little Red, the Wolf, and a trusted adult) and act out various scenarios from the story. Emphasize what actions constitute safe behavior.

Create Alternate Endings: 

Encourage kids to come up with alternate endings where Little Red stays safe by making different choices.

Discussions and Activities:

Identifying Trusted Adults: Discuss who qualifies as a trusted adult (parents, teachers, caregivers) and what to do if they're approached by a stranger.

Safe Choices: 

Create a chart or poster illustrating safe choices when encountering strangers (e.g., stay with a group, say no to gifts or rides, etc.).

Drawing or Coloring: 

Have the children draw scenes from the story where Red makes safe choices.

Songs or Rhymes:

Catchy Rhymes: Create simple, catchy rhymes or songs that reinforce the message about staying safe around strangers.

Craft Activities:

Craft Making: Create 'safety capes' or 'safe hoods' using construction paper or fabric to symbolize staying safe when outside.

Puppets: 

Make finger puppets of the characters to reenact safe scenarios.

Follow-Up Activities:

Role Play in Daily Life: Encourage parents to continue the conversation at home and practice scenarios with their children.

Weekly Reminders: 

Regularly revisit the topic in class through quick discussions or activities to reinforce the message.

Positive Reinforcement:

Certificates or Awards: Give out certificates or small awards to children who actively participate and demonstrate understanding of the safety concepts.

Always ensure the discussions are age-appropriate, emphasizing safety without instilling unnecessary fear. The key is to empower them with knowledge and strategies to stay safe. And using a familiar story like Little Red Riding Hood is a brilliant way to make these concepts more relatable and memorable for young learners!