Classroom and Playground Safety Rules

Curriculum Expectations

6.4, 8.5, 10.3

See the Kindergarten Program 2016 for details on the specific expectations.

Activity Learning Goals

By the end of the activity children will be able to:

• discuss what actions to take when they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, and when and how to seek assistance
• demonstrate spatial awareness by doing activities that require the use of small muscles
• use a functional grip in written communication

Equipment

Safety

Inspect activity area and eliminate potential hazards. Clearly outline the boundaries for the activity. For complete playground safety criteria, reference the About section.

Assessment Opportunity

EL-K Team observation of actions to take when they feel unsafe, and demonstrated spatial awareness and functional grip using small muscles can be recorded on the Anecdotal Recording Chart.

Safety Rules Tour

• Discuss why safety rules are important. In the classroom, review some safety rules. These might include rules in the classroom, in the school, when walking to school and on the playground.
• Tour the playground with the children and review specific safety rules.
• Discuss who made the rules for the playground.
• Why do adults make rules?
• What should you do if you or one of your friends needs help?
• What should you do if you find something unsafe (e.g., a needle) on the playground? Create a class book. Children choose and illustrate classroom and playground safety rules. Children write one sentence explaining their rule.

Notes to EL-K Team

• Keep safety rules posted in the classroom for future reference.
• Review safety rules when there are changes in seasons and weather, and when specific incidents or questions arise with regard to safety.
• EL-K Team may wish to have children investigate and describe familiar geographical features in their area (e.g., ponds, fields, woods, lakes) in order to identify safe and unsafe situations in variety of settings.
• Rules and expectations for the playground structure should be provided to the children and children should demonstrate understanding and compliance with the safety rules.
• For a sample of expectations and rules for the playground structure see Playground Structure Rules and Expectations in the About section.

Connection Questions to Expand and Enhance Play

• What would you do if you saw broken glass on the playground?
• Why do we need to play safe?
• Why is it important to get an adult if you see something unsafe?