Health: Safety

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been covering safety in kindergarten and first grade health.  Lessons are different based on their grade level, but cover the same basic concepts.  Last time I posted on the blog about health lessons, we were discussing fire safety and safety when moving around and on wheels.  We have since moved on to personal safety.  Personal safety is:

• Following safety rules
• Being aware of what is going on around you
• Taking safe action in situations that could be dangerous, destructive, or disturbing
• Asking for help when it is needed

Both grade levels discussed a rule for telling right away:  if something is Dangerous, Destructive, or Disturbing.  Those are what we refer to as our "3 Ds of Telling".  That means if something fits one of those words, we tell a trusted adult right away.  We discussed examples of trusted adults, and students came up with extensive lists of adults they can trust in these types of situations to help.  Some situations are so serious that they are considered emergencies.  Emergencies are when someone needs the help of a doctor, firefighter, or police officer RIGHT AWAY.  We talked about when to call 911 and why it's important to know how to call.  

We also discussed good touch and bad/confusing touches, and how to stay safer from bad touch.  The Michigan Model of Health outcomes for this area of our curriculum are: 

• Students will comprehend concepts related to appropriate and inappropriate touch.
• Students will demonstrate strategies to avoid personally unsafe situations and to get away in cases of inappropriate touch or abduction.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to ask a trusted adult for help.

We watched a video related to this topic, and also had a class discussion about these issues.  Students did a great job listening respectfully and actively participating in our lessons about these serious and extremely important topics.  

K Health: Two Ds for Telling and Safety When Moving around

In Kindergarten health this week, we are starting our safety unit.  The first lesson focuses on self management skills of knowing when it's important to tell an adult about a situation.  Students begin by brainstorming safety rules of all kinds.  Examples include walking in the hallway, no jumping off of swings, hands to self, kind words and actions, and more.

Then, we talk about a rule we're learning about when to ask for help from an adult:  The Two Ds for Telling.  If a situation is dangerous or destructive, always tell an adult.

Then, we brainstorm situations that might be dangerous, destructive, or both.  Examples include: 

• drinking, eating, touching, smelling an unknown product, poisons, medicine
• playing with or being near weapons or other dangerous objects
• not wearing a seatbelt or bike helmet
• not staying with the class or group on a field trip
• playing in or near water without an adult
• trying to touch or play with an unfamiliar animal
• riding a bike in a busy street without adult help
• skateboarding in a busy parking lot

The difference between tattling and reporting is something most kindergarteners are working on, and we discuss it during this lesson.  Tattling is telling an adult about something in order to get someone in trouble.  Reporting is telling an adult about a situation you feel may be dangerous or destructive.  We then discuss adults that can help in a dangerous or destructive situation (teachers, principal, mom, dad, other relative, friend's mom or dad, etc.).

We also talked about safety while moving around -- walking and biking.  Students brainstormed safety rules, and I added a few, too:

• always have permission from an adult to take a walk or bike ride
• wear safety equipment when on a bike/scooter/etc (helmet) 
• look both ways when crossing the street
• always watch for driveway danger
• no goofing around when in or near streets/parking lots/where cars or bikes are
• if with an adult, follow the rules for crossing the street or going ahead of the adult (example:  holding hands when crossing the street, waiting at corners for the adult to catch up)
• walk on the sidewalk whenever possible
• watch where you're going!