Kindergarten students at Spring Creek Elementary got a visit from an unlikely set of puppets, including a dog with sunglasses, a smoke detector and a big frog named Frank.
The puppets were part of an educational session by the Bonita Springs Fire-Rescue Department meant to educate students about fire safety and the importance of having a plan in place in case of a fire.
“It’s fun because they learn something and they have a good time learning it,” said Debbi Redfield, spokeswoman for Bonita Springs Fire-Rescue.
Throughout the show firefighter Dana Hoenie interacts with the kids as he explains how a fire detector works, ways to escape a fire and what to do if you see matches.
The fire-rescue department has been putting on the puppet show for 10 years and has adapted the show during the years to make sure it appeals to all students.
“Every grade level gets a different version of the same lesson and we build from year to year,” said Redfield, who plays several of the characters.
The show focuses on several lessons that are taught through song and dialogue between Hoenie and a frog, a firefighter dog and a few others who crack jokes about his bald head and kids laugh.
“We do videos and discussions as they get older but with these young kids we give them what they can handle now and the puppet show gives them that,” Hoenie said.
At the conclusion of each show children are given smoke detectors and asked to talk to their parents about changing the batteries and a place to meet outside the home in case of a fire.
“Teaching young children about fire safety lessons is difficult enough just to keep their attention but if it’s a show and engaging they learn more,” Redfield said.
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