Dressing up as a firefighter might be every child’s idea of fun, but it was the Rev. Donald Antor who got to do just that recently when visiting Immanuel’s full-day preschool program.

Pastor Donald, Immanuel’s youth director, talked with the children about the protective gear that firefighters put on while demonstrating with gear that his father, a former firefighter turned fire inspector, had given him.

As Pastor Donald and the children talked about the protective gear, they began to talk about how God protects us and the “whole armor of God,” as detailed in Ephesians 6.

Pastor Donald and the kids were able to converse because the preschoolers already knew many things about firefighters and about Jesus. Both are important elements of Immanuel’s early childhood program. Teacher Emily Laubenstein and the children have “Jesus Time” every day. She also teaches them about “community helpers,” firefighters included.

“We teach the children about fire safety in the fall since this is when we teach them about fire drills,” said Marlene Tres, the program’s director. “It’s so important, especially for the youngest of children. Too many people die in fires each year, and young children tend to hide when there’s a fire. They need to know not to be afraid of firefighters and what to do in case of fire. We use songs, finger plays, books, discussion, puppets and role play to teach them.

“Kids love firefighters and fire trucks, so the unit always goes very nicely and the kids respond very well. Plus, our teachers are so good with the students and with the curriculum.”

Laubenstein is one of six early childhood teachers at Immanuel.

“She has a master’s degree in early childhood and it shows. Walking into her classroom is enchanting,” Tres said. “The children learn so much and truly enjoy themselves. All of our teachers always strive to make learning fun and meaningful.”

Immanuel Lutheran’s Early Childhood teachers will hold a Family Pumpkin Carving Night open to the entire community from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24. The evening is targeted toward preschoolers, kindergartners, and their siblings, along with parents. Bring $5 and a pumpkin. Snacks and child-friendly carving tools will be provided.

Immanuel Lutheran School is at 200 N. Plum Grove Road in downtown Palatine two blocks east of the Palatine Metra Train Station. For details, contact Marlene Tres at mtres@ilcp.org or (847) 660-4163.