Activity Idea: Look for the Danger

Starting kindergarten is a very exciting time for children. Often in the minds of these young learners, kindergarten separates them from the "babies." As they start their new daily routine in their new classroom, there is so much to explore! However, even with all this excitment, it is important that classroom rules are established.

Kindergarten QuickSource® tells us that "Physical health and safety supports a child's overall education and growth." And so, teachers typically begin each school year with an introduction of classroom rules. But while they are important to fostering a safe learning environment, the first mention of rules often translates in a child's ears as "no fun."

Here is an activity called Look for the Danger that supports classroom rules by helping children understand basic safety rules and shows children that following basic safety rules can be fun.

Before you get started, each child will need the following materials: a magnifying glass, drawing or construction paper, crayons, and a lapboard (optional, but great if doing this activity during circle time).

Let's get started!

1. Play a game of "Look for danger" in the classroom.

2. Give each child a magnifying glass, paper and crayons. (It may be helpful for the children to have lapboards to use with the paper and crayons.)

3. Have the child, individually or with a partner, find anything in the classroom that could be potentially dangerous. Tell the children to use the magnifying glass to look over everything carefully. (For example: an electrical outlet, scissors, pencils, items on the floor, etc.)

4. When the child finds something potentially dangerous, he/she should draw it on his/her paper with a crayon.

5. Have the children report their findings to the group. Have the group decide how the danger can be avoided with these items in the room. (Many of their decisions will be reflected in the classroom rules!)

If using POCET™, this activity correlates to Developmental Guideline: PH6 Understands Basic Health and Safety Rules.

For more developmentally-appropriate activities, visit Teacher QuickSource® and browse through all age areas, including Preschool, Kindergarten, Infant, Toddler, and Head Start. Don't forget to explore activities promoting environmental awareness at Environmental QuickSource®, too!