Cat the Pirate

In this story, Cat does something which is very silly and really dangerous with a knife. She does not mean any harm, but Cat’s Dad needs to talk to her to help her understand and to keep her and others safe.

Aims of this story

In this story, ‘Cat the Pirate’, we will look at knife and sharp object safety, appropriate ways to act with knives and sharp objects and about how knives and sharp objects should be stored.

Have a chat with your child about how they felt about what happens in this story. Discuss any concerns they may have.

Key Messages

  • Knives and sharp objects can be very dangerous, especially if they are used for anything other than the job they are meant for
  • Knives and sharp objects should not be played with, EVER!
  • Knives and sharp objects should be stored appropriately and safely
  • Playing with a knife or a sharp object does NOT make a person look cool, or more grown up – it’s just DANGEROUS!
  • Remind your child that they should always tell an adult that they know and they can trust, if they are worried or scared

Discuss with your child how Cat played with a knife and how worried her Dad was for her safety when she played with it. But why was he so worried? We are going to look at that now.

Print off the worksheet and give it to your child to do or, view it on screen (together with your child) and see if your child knows where to store these items safely.

Activity: Where should we store things safely

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Ask your child:

"Why should knives and other sharp objects, such as screwdrivers, be stored safely?"

Possible answers could be:

  • Because they can be dangerous
  • So they cannot be played with, as they can be dangerous
  • So younger children do not think they are toys to be played with
  • Because knives are sharp and should be put away safely
  • To help keep everyone safe

Key Messages:

  • If knives and sharp objects are used carefully, for the job they are meant for, and by someone responsible, then it minimises how dangerous they can be.
  • Children should ONLY EVER use a knife or sharp object if they are supervised by a trusted adult and they should always be super careful.
  • Accidents can happen at any time. BUT, if we are sensible and careful, we can help to prevent bad things happening, and help keep ourselves and others stay safe.

Discuss with your child that in the story, Cat was pretending to be a pirate, and picked up a knife without thinking, putting herself and her Dad in danger. We want to learn from Cat’s mistakes and make sure that no other animals, or children makes this mistake again.

Now its time to let your child get creative!

Give your child a blank piece of paper, so they can create a poster, leaflet, advert, or web page design that would cover one of the following topics:

  • Advise against playing with a knife or sharp object - it is not cool; it is just DANGEROUS!
  • Advise on why playing with knives and sharp objects is dangerous - you can get cut and hurt very easily
  • Advise on what to do if they hear about or see someone playing with a knife - tell a trusted adult straight away, to help keep EVERYONE safe!
  • Reminding people that they should only ever use a knife or sharp object for the job it is meant for, and that a child should be always supervised by an adult.

Discuss these ideas with your child, or help them create their own ideas.

To reinforce the message of the safety of knives, click the button below to access the ‘Knife Facts’ sheet for your child to do.

Activity: Knife and sharp object facts

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Discuss with your child any concerns they may have or if they are stuck.

The idea of this activity is to strengthen their learning, to ensure that their own home environment is safe and raise awareness of knife safety with parents/carers. We want your child and yourself to understand that knives need to be stored sensibly, as this can help us all stay safe.

Key Messages:

  • If knives and sharp objects are used carefully, for the job they are meant for, and by someone responsible, then it minimises how dangerous they can be.
  • Children should ONLY EVER use a knife or sharp object if they are supervised by a trusted adult and they should always be super careful.
  • Accidents can happen at any time. BUT, if we are sensible and careful, we can help to prevent bad things happening, and help keep ourselves and others safe.

Cat the Pirate Quiz

Take our quiz to see what you have learnt from this story!

Remember:

Children should ONLY EVER use a knife or sharp object if they are supervised by an adult and they should always be very careful.

Watch the story being read
  • Knife and Sharp Object Safety
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