Safety at School
Here's What To Do
Talk with your child about how to stay safe at school.
Suggest a few scenarios and act out some of the safety rules together, such as parking lot and door opening behavior..
When you get to school, put those safety rules into action.
Acknowledge your child when they remember a rule; and remind them patiently and practice together when they forget.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Pause as you get ready for school with your child and give them a little hug.
Engage:
- “Can you show me how to be safe when you’re going down the slide?”
- “How do you move safely in the parking lot? Do you walk or run?”
Encourage:
- Praise your child and point out specific ways they are being safe at school and home “You are walking down the hallway to your classroom so carefully and safely!”
- You can also make up special gestures together to show when something is safe or not safe. You can use these gestures with your child as an indicator of safety instead of saying “no.”
Reflect:
- “What do you do to be safe at school?”
Not quite ready?
Ask the teacher to suggest one expectation or rule to focus on and practice together. You can also read a book about this expectation or rule. Work with the teacher to support your child in following this expectation or rule. For example, take pictures of your child following this expectation or rule so you can create a book together.
Ready for more?
Talk together about the consequences of not following safety rules as well.
As your child masters this skill...
They will follow safety rules and describe reasons for safety.