Understanding the Risk
Dangers cannot always be avoided but teachers should plan for the greatest number of possible scenarios that may occur during an activity. Students and their parents/guardians/caregivers must also be aware of the risks inherent in certain activities.
These sample questions may be used with students before an activity, to help deepen their understanding of possible risks:
- What will we do before today’s activity to help keep ourselves safe?
- What safety rules and procedures are we each responsible for following in today’s activity?
- What safety rules and procedures for today’s activity will we look after as a group?
- What safety rules and procedures for today’s activity will be the responsibility of the teacher and/or other monitors who are with us?
These scenarios can be used to encourage discussions and reflection on various activities:
Primary: Amir bought new shoes specifically for the class hiking trip to make sure he had enough grip and wouldn’t slip or fall on the trails. They are working but his feet are starting to hurt. During the water break he looks at the spots on his feet that are hurting and sees that his heels are all red and sore. What should he do? How can you help Amir as his friend? What might happen if you don’t say anything?
Junior: Alejandra and Lam are the leaders for the morning hike that has been organized by your community youth council. They are setting a good pace on this section of the trail. It is hilly so they are taking frequent breaks for snacks and water. Some of the participants are getting tired and are having difficulty keeping up the pace. They don’t get as much time for a break because they are at the back of the group. You notice this but haven’t said anything to either Alejandra or Lam. What might happen if you don’t say anything? What should you do? How can the group solve this problem to help everyone in the group safely enjoy the hike?
Intermediate: Ellie is participating in a two-day camping trip as part of the year-end grade 8 trip. The teachers and monitors have been reminding everyone to drink water during all breaks in the day and stay in the shade on breaks from activities. Ellie prefers to be in the sun because she likes the way the heat feels on her skin. She has finished her water and has forgotten to fill it up at the water station between the activities. During the afternoon, you notice she doesn't seem as enthusiastic about the activities. When you ask if she is ok, she tells you she has a headache and isn’t feeling well. What should she do? How can you help Ellie as her buddy? What might happen if you don’t say anything to her?
Intermediate: Your class is participating in a three-day outdoor education experience at a camp. One of the daily activities involves everyone choosing a spot to sit quietly without interacting with other students in the class for a period of fifteen minutes. The teacher and camp staff are circulating and you can see them but you will not be close enough to friends to talk with them. You have never spent time sitting in the woods like this because you don’t like sitting on the ground and you fear spiders and other insects. What are you worried about? What can you do to help you manage your fear? What might you talk about with friends?
