Traffic & Walking

This page has been developed to assist you in teaching children basic information on safe pedestrian procedures for crossing streets. Kindergartners and first graders have had little experience and limited knowledge regarding safe crossing procedures. Proper instruction at this stage can help prevent accidents and develop safe crossing habits for the future.

Lesson 1

Materials Needed:

• Space designated as curb and street
• Large wooden block or cardboard square to serve as the corner of the sidewalk and curb

What to Do:

A. Go over vocabulary including:

• Street
• Curb
• Corner
• Intersection
• Crosswalk
• Sidewalk

B. Cover information presented on Pages 1 through 7.

C. Demonstrate turning your head in all directions to look for cars. While walking, continue looking and turning your head. D. Give children an opportunity to practice.

Lesson 2

Materials Needed:

• Same as for Lesson I
• Large article such as a painting easel to block view

What to Do:

A. Repeat Lesson I.

B. Demonstrate material covered on Pages 8 and 9.

C. Have children practice.

Lesson 3

Materials Needed:

• Pictures or cards of traffic signals
• Pedestrian signals (“Walk,” “Don’t Walk”)
• New picture signals (person walking, hand symbol)

What to Do:

A. Introduce and explain the parts of a traffic signal:

• Colors: Red, Yellow, Green – and what they mean
• Pedestrian signals: “Walk,” “Don’t Walk”
• Picture pedestrian signals: Person walking, hand symbol – and their meanings

B. Explain lights for drivers and pedestrians (Page 10).

C. Explain and demonstrate safe crossing procedures covered on Pages 11 through 16. D. Have children practice.

Note: This guide suggests using four daily lesson plans to cover the material in the booklet. However, you may adapt this to fit your schedule and needs. Since children learn by repetition, we recommend reviewing the materials multiple times.

LESSON IV

Materials Needed:

• Cards or pictures of traffic signs
• Safety cadets
• School crossing guard
• Police officer

What to Do:

A. Show pictures of traffic signs and explain their meanings.

B. Explain the roles of safety cadets, school crossing guards, and police officers in helping children cross streets safely.

C. Give children an opportunity to role-play different scenarios.

D. If available, invite safety cadets or school crossing guards to talk to the children and explain their uniforms and responsibilities.

Additional Suggestions:

1. Take children on a walk so they can observe real-life examples of the concepts discussed.
2. Check the types of traffic control signals in the school’s neighborhood and adjust teaching to accommodate local variations (e.g., push buttons, turn arrows).
3. Utilize additional teaching tools available on free loan from the Milwaukee Safety Commission, such as:
   • Mini-Intersection Kit
   • Project Traffic Kit