Firefighters Put Out the Paper Flames

Kids are firefighters who use spray bottles to soak tissue-paper flames taped to a fence or wall until they droop and are “out.” It works on aim, hand strength from squeezing the trigger, and teamwork among firefighters.

How to play

1. The teacher tapes tissue-paper flames on a fence at different heights; we're the fire crew and put on our pretend helmets (2 min).
2. We practice with the spray bottle: hold it with both hands, aim, and squeeze the trigger hard (2 min).
3. Fire! In pairs, one holds the “hose” (spray bottle) and the other says where to aim: up, down, to the side (3 min).
4. We switch: the other firefighter sprays while their partner refills the bottle at the basin (3 min).
5. Tough fire: we step one step farther back and put out the highest flames all together (2 min).
6. We check that every flame is soaked and peel off the wet paper to throw it away (2 min).

Rules

• Water goes on flames, never on people.
• I stay behind the firefighter line.
• I share the hose with my partner.
• When the teacher says “Fire's out!”, I lower my sprayer.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: set the firefighter line at wheelchair height with low flames close by.
• Less hand strength: use big-trigger sprayers or squeeze bottles they can press with both hands.
• Visual impairment: big, bright paper flames on a dark background; a partner guides with “higher, lower.”

Learning goals

• Aim and hit a target from a distance.
• Strengthen the hand by squeezing a trigger.
• Cooperate in pairs with clear roles.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Spray bottles: 8
• Red and orange tissue paper: 20
• Tape: 1
• Shallow basin: 2

Teacher tip

Mark the firefighter line in chalk about 3 to 5 feet from the fence. Tell them real firefighters never spray people: it's the rule you'll repeat most. Keep spare paper ready for the harder version.

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