How To Present The Josh The Otter Book And Character To Children

Objectives Of Activity

To educate young children with the knowledge of water safety through three main objectives: 1. To never go near water without an adult. 2. To first learn to float and/or swim before going in water. 3. To always swim with a buddy.

Time Length of Activity : 20-25 minutes

Outline of Activity :

The “Josh the Baby Otter” book presentation is a fun and interactive classroom activity for young children. The recommended classroom levels for this presentation ranges from pre kindergarten to the second grade level. However, the educator has the freedom to use their personal judgment in offering the classes to children beyond the set recommendations. The presentation if divided into seven parts, as you will read in detail below. This project layout is to not limit the creativity of the educator but to provide guidance for the overall layout of the activity.

Educators are encouraged to personalize the presentation and add additional water safety activities to the presentation if they desire. This activity can be held within the classroom with a single class or in an assembly format with many classrooms in attendance. Have the children sit on the floor with ample area for the song and dance portion of the activity. On the next page you will find the seven recommended steps for the activity with detailed information to guide you through the activity.

Materials Needed :

Optional Items :

Training Agenda

1. Introduction of the "Josh the Baby Otter" book and the concept of water safety.

Introduce the book to the classroom by asking for a volunteer to read the title (if working with younger ages, point to the words on the cover as you read the title).
Before beginning activity Set the Ground Rules:
1. Be polite and listen to the educator and classmates.
2. If you want to speak raise your hand to be called upon.
Inform the children of the process of the activity:
1. First will be the reading of the “Josh the Baby Otter” book.
2. Classroom will take short oral quiz about what they learned in the book
(Tip: If mascot is involved, you can let them know if they listen very well and do great of the quiz, you have surprise guest.)
3. They will get up and dance to the “Learn to Float” song and conclude with some fun activities.
Explain that the purpose of the book is to teach the class about water safety.
1. Ask the children, “What IS water safety?”
2. Once children have given answers, help the children with anything they may have missed.
3. Introduce the three water safety lessons of the book.

2. Reading of "Josh the Baby Otter" book by the audio CD, Powerpoint, or the actual book and voice

Reading aloud to your class is always the preferred way to engage with them.

If that’s not possible, using the audio CD or Powerpoint is also a great way to use another sense to engage your group.

3. Short oral quiz over the three main objectives.

Ask questions of your group to ensure comprehension. Short questions following up on the content of the story will help concepts solidify in your class’s brains.

4. (Optional) Introduction of Josh the Otter mascot

If you’re able to and the situation permits, introduce Josh the Otter to the class. Children love to interact with Josh and see a book character come to life in front of them!

5. Sing-a-long to the “Learn to Float” song. (Mascot Optional)

Using music is a wonderful way to teach. Teach your class the Learn to Float song and review it in the future.

Children learn in different ways and using music as a pathway to remembering important information is a wonderful way to teach.

6. Recitation of the “Josh the Otter Water Safety Pledge.”
(Mascot 'Optional)

Our Water Safety Pledge helps save lives by helping the children remember what to do if they ever are in trouble.

7. Conclusion of “Hugs and High Fives” with Josh the Otter.
(Optional)

Kids love Josh the Otter. Make sure everyone gets a chance to high-five or hug Josh and make that physical connection to what water safety means!

“Josh The Baby Otter” Book Presentation

The “Josh the Baby Otter” book presentation was developed by the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation a 501(c)3 organization. Parents Blake and Kathy Collingsworth honor the memory of their two-year-old son Joshua, who died on June 4, 2008 after falling into the family pool three days earlier. They believed they had every safety precaution in place, but the reality is that a drowning can occur in mere moments. After losing Joshua, they felt compelled to help reduce the dramatic numbers of deaths by drowning that occur in our country and around the world.

The Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation was created in July of 2008 to serve as a catalyst to strengthen water safety awareness and create an early childhood educational program. Their goal is to empower children to be safe in and around ALL bodies of water to prevent similar tragedies. The Josh the Otter Water Safety and Awareness Project is dedicated to teaching young children about water safety through the use of Josh the Baby Otter a book written by Blake, which was recently translated into Spanish. Nearly 40,000 books have been distributed. The program has been presented in classrooms, community centers, zoos, pools, and childcare facilities around the world.

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How To Present The Josh The Otter Book And Character To Children

Objectives Of Activity

Time Length of Activity : 20-25 minutes

Outline of Activity :

Materials Needed :

Optional Items :

Training Agenda

“Josh The Baby Otter” Book Presentation

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