Skip to content
Zoo EOC Learning Hub logoZoo EOCLearning Hub

For Teachers & Parents

Everything here is designed to build confidence, never fear. Children learn best when emergencies are framed as problems that prepared teams solve together.

Annah the Bunny, the Zoo EOC action officer, wearing round glasses and an orange safety vest
Annah the Bunny says: According to the Emergency Guide… children who practice a plan feel calmer during real events. Keep it short, hopeful, and hands-on.

Ready-to-use lesson plans

  • Lesson 1 · What is an EOC? (30 min)

    1. Read the Zoo EOC picture book aloud.
    2. Tour the Meet the Team page and name each helper's job.
    3. Play Match the Emergency Helper as a class.
    4. Print the helper flashcards for a partner quiz.

  • Lesson 2 · The five phases (45 min)

    1. Walk through the five phases together on the Learn page.
    2. Sort classroom scenarios into phases on chart paper.
    3. Play the Emergency Response Mission.
    4. Hang the Five Phases poster in the room.

  • Lesson 3 · Be ready at home (45 min)

    1. Play Build Charlie's Emergency Kit.
    2. Send home the Family Emergency Plan and Kit Checklist.
    3. Launch the 7-Day Preparedness Challenge.
    4. Award the Junior Emergency Manager certificate at the end.

Discussion questions

  • What does it mean to be prepared?
  • Who are the helpers in our school and neighborhood?
  • What is our family meeting place, and how do we get there?
  • Which phase are we in when we practice a fire drill?
  • What is one hazard you noticed today, and who did you tell?
  • How does staying calm help other people?

Vocabulary

Emergency
Something unexpected that needs help right away.
Hazard
Something that could cause harm.
Prevention
Stopping an emergency from happening.
Mitigation
Reducing how much harm an emergency causes.
Preparedness
Planning and practicing before an emergency.
Response
The actions helpers take during an emergency.
Recovery
Healing, repairing, and learning afterward.
Situational awareness
Knowing what is happening around you.

Talking about emergencies calmly

  • ✅ Name the helpers: “Lots of people work together to keep us safe.”
  • ✅ Focus on what kids can control: know the plan, know the meeting place, tell a grown-up.
  • ✅ Practice, don't scare — drills should feel like a team game.
  • ✅ Answer questions honestly and briefly, then return to routine.

Pair these with the printables and the 7-Day Challenge. In a real emergency, always follow local officials' instructions.