Report Copyright Infringement View in OSM UK

Description

Aim: To encourage empathy by thinking about who might struggle most during a heatwave and how Squirrels can help.

Resources

Picture cards showing:
Baby
Grandma or Grandad
Dog
Cat
Bird
Tree
Flower
Bee
Firefighter
Friend playing football
Gardener
Neighbour

Optional:

Three hoops labelled:

Needs Water ?
Needs Shade ?
Needs Checking On ❤️

Instructions

Place the picture cards in the centre.
Invite one Squirrel at a time to choose a card.

Ask:
"Who is this?"

Then:
"How could we help them if it was very hot?"

Examples:
Baby

Possible answers:
Keep them cool.
Give them drinks (with an adult's help).
Stay in the shade.

Bird
Put out fresh water.
Fill a bird bath.

Tree
Water young trees if needed (following local guidance).
Don't damage them.

Dog
Fresh drinking water.
Walk early morning or evening.
Rest in the shade.

Grandparent
Check they're okay.
Offer a cold drink.
Spend time with them.

Friend
Share water.
Remind them to wear a hat.
Play in the shade.

Firefighter
This is a nice opportunity to link to community helpers:
"Firefighters help keep us safe, especially if dry weather causes fires. We can help them by being careful with campfires, BBQs and not leaving litter like glass bottles that could start fires."

Sorting Challenge

Children decide which hoop each card belongs in.

Some can go in more than one hoop.

Example:

Dog →

? Water

? Shade

❤️ Checking On

Explain that sometimes there isn't just one right answer.

Reflection

Finish by asking:

"Who do you think needs the most help when it's really hot?"

Then finish with:

"Everyone can help their community—even Squirrels. Sometimes helping is as simple as giving a bird some water, reminding someone to wear a hat, or turning off a tap."

This activity naturally leads into a discussion about kindness, responsibility, and looking after people, animals, and the environment—all key ideas within the Community Impact badge.

Tags

• community impact
• empathy
• Heatwave
• helping
• Helping animals
• Helping hand
• Helping others
• hosepipe ban
• hot weather
• safety in the Sun
• thinking activities
• water

Badge Links

• Community Impact - Learn
• Community Impact - Tell
• Feel Good - Activities
• Local Superhero - Help