Lesson Plan for Walk to School Day by Safe Kids USA

International Walk to School Day
Pedestrian Safety Lesson Plan
Subject: Navigating traffic environments safely
Age level- 10 years and younger

• Discuss with the students why they should not walk alone until they are at least 10 years old.
• Discuss why younger children may need to walk with an adult and/or hold a grown-up’s hand while they cross the streets.
  
• Ask the children who can help them to cross the street safely and have them make a list or say it out loud.     Answer should be: Parent, guardian, older sibling, crossing guard, police officer, etc.
• Explain to the children why drivers will not be able to see them due to their smaller stature/size, compare to the height of the hood of the car
  
•  Introduce the basic traffic signs to gauge the students level of knowledge and to explain the meaning of each sign.
•  Explain to the children that it is difficult to judge the speed of cars, how far away they are and which direction traffic sounds are coming from.
• Be sure the following topics/rules are covered as you go over the students responses:
• Cross the street at the corner or at a crosswalk if there is one, and obey all traffic signals.
• Walk on a sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk; walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic.
• Walk with an adult until you are at least 10 years old.
• Only cross in front of a school bus when the driver says it is safe. Do not cross behind the bus or where the driver can’t see you.
•  Hold an adult’s hand when you cross the street. Look left, right and left again before you cross and keep looking both ways until you reach the other side.
•  If you walk when it is dark, wear light-colored clothing or clothing with reflective material so drivers can see you. A flashlight is also a good idea.
•  If a toy or pet goes out into the street, ask an adult for help getting it back.
•  When you are outside playing, play in a backyard or playground away from the street or parking lots.