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 action 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
- write simple message
Equipment
- Tape or ropes
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Safety
Inspect activity area and eliminate potential hazards. Remind children to be cautious when moving, and to be aware of personal space.
Assessment Opportunity
EL-K Team observation of children’s demonstration 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.
Street Safety
- Discuss traffic safety rules (e.g., looking all ways before crossing) and the role of crossing guards.
- Have children use blocks, tools, and available equipment to create their neighbourhood in the gymnasium. Use tape or ropes to represent streets and have children role-play crossing the street safely.
Community Walk
Lead the class on a community walk and look for traffic signs. Tally the number and type of signs, and chart the results on a pictograph (Cross-curriular connection: Math expectation DM5.2 - collect objects and data and make representations of their observations, using concrete graphs).
Capturing the Day
Children record their experiences in a journal or letter using texts or illustrations. Consider using disposable cameras for students to take photos while participating in the activity and write descriptions of the photos.
Notes to EL-K Team
- Review basic traffic safety rules: look all ways before crossing street, watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering or leaving driveways; cross when traffic has come to a complete stop; when crossing a street walk don’t run; always obey the crossing guard, cross only at corners, or designated crosswalks or traffic lights, not in the middle of the block or between parked cars or on a red light; walk on the sidewalk, do not walk close to the curb, if there are no sidewalks, walk off the road facing traffic.
- Plan to have enough adult volunteers or senior students with you on the community walk so that you can make sure the students cross safely.
- Repeat safety rules and practise them on every walk and field trip.
- Integrate this activity with other field trips or community outings.
Connection Questions to Expand and Enhance Play
- Why is it important to look both ways before crossing the street?
- How does a crossing guard help you cross the street?
- What are some traffic signs you have seen on the street in your neighbourhood?
