Summary
A full episode (~27 min; this free upload includes American Sign Language interpretation). A frightening fire breaks out at Lakewood Elementary, and afterward the kids -- especially Binky -- struggle with fear and worry. The story models, gently and honestly, how children and grown-ups can talk through a scary event together and start to feel safe again. Free on the official PBS KIDS YouTube channel.
Viewer safety
A school fire frightens the characters and one parent is briefly unaccounted for, and the episode deals with the worry that follows. It models healthy ways to process a scary event -- preview first, best for older students, and a caring lead-in helps.
Our rating is a quick teacher-to-teacher guide — preview before showing.
Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Arthur stories open the door to talking about feelings, friendship and doing the right thing. Use these questions to talk about “April 9th.”
- How do different characters react to feeling scared after the fire?
- Why does talking about a scary event with someone help?
- Who are the grown-ups you can go to when you feel worried or afraid?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: fear, worry, safe, talk, trusted adult.
Try it: Make a list of three trusted grown-ups you could talk to if you felt scared.