“Stop, drop, and roll.”
Most adults know those three words automatically. But for a preschooler, remembering what to do—and actually doing it in the right order—takes practice. Stop, Drop & Roll is a simple safety technique children can use if their clothing catches fire. So, let’s talk about teaching this simple safety routine, as fire safety activities can be about more than just teaching children what to do in an emergency. They can also give young children an opportunity to practice listening, remembering a sequence, following directions, and responding with their bodies.
Why Preschoolers Need to Practice
Preschoolers are still developing their ability to listen, remember steps in order, and respond to directions. They learn these skills best through modeling, repetition, and hands-on practice.
Rather than simply telling children the three steps, show them what each step looks like and practice it together.
That makes stop, drop, and roll not only an important safety skill, but also a fun way to build following-directions skills.
Teach the 3 Steps
Explain that if a child’s clothing catches fire, running can make the flames spread. Keep each step simple and pair it with an action.
🛑 STOP: Stop Immediately. Don’t run.
⬇️ DROP: Get down on the ground.
🔄 ROLL: Roll back and forth until the flames are out.
Practice the sequence slowly at first:
STOP → DROP → ROLL
Then let children try it with you.
Make It a Following-Directions Game
Once children know the three steps, turn them into a quick movement game. Call out:
- “STOP!”
- “DROP!”
- “ROLL!”
Then add in other directions, such as:
- “Clap twice!”
- “Touch your toes!”
- “STOP!”
- “March in place!”
- “DROP!”
- “ROLL!”
Keep It Calm—Not Scary
You don’t need to frighten children to teach fire safety. Keep your language simple and matter-of-fact. You might say:
“We’re practicing something firefighters want children to know. We’re learning what our bodies can do to help keep us safe.”
The goal is to make the routine familiar and predictable, not scary.
Free Stop, Drop & Roll Practice Cards
Want an easy way to practice? Print out the free Stop, Drop & Roll Practice Cards to use with your preschoolers. Each card shows one simple step, making it easy for children to see the sequence as you model and practice together. Hold up each card as you explain the steps.
Use them during Fire Prevention Week, circle time, movement activities, or anytime you want a quick following-directions activity.
Keep Practicing!
The goal isn’t just for children to repeat the words stop, drop, and roll.
It’s for them to practice listening, remembering a sequence, and responding to a direction.
That’s how we teach safety routines: Model it. Practice it. Repeat it.
One simple step at a time.
