Safety Step #5 : "Good Touch, Bad Touch."

The word "respect" may not have a conotation for safety, but in many ways it is. If you feel like another student, teacher, or any one else is touching you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, TELL AN ADULT IMMEDIATELY! This is a "bad touch". Bad touches are a big deal and if you feel like someone is touching you in a bad way don't be afraid to say something.

However, don't confuse "bad touches" with "good touches". Just because a teacher or other adult pats y ou on the back, gives you a hug, or touches your shoulder or arm in a friendly way doesn't mean it's a bad touch. If this kind of touch still makes you feel uncomfortable, make sure to let that person know. If it persists, notify a responisble adult. Don't be afraid to tell someone how you feel!

To learn more about good touch, bad touch, visit http://www.childhelp.org/gtbt

Safety Tip #4 : "Four on the Floor"

From pre-kindergarten to high school seniors, all students are told not to lean in their chairs, tilt them back, rock on them, and to sit in them correctly. There have been innumerable times i have seen high schoolers break their chairs or tilt over because of this. In addition, I can't tell you how many pre-kers fall out of their chairs daily. Though this seems like a silly rule, people can get very hurt by this for example:

1. One boy fell out of his chair, hit his head on the table and got a concussion.

2 . Kids have tilted backwards out of their chairs and hit their whole bodies hard on the floor.

3. Chair legs are dangerous! In pre k I've tripped over chair legs sticking out because students weren't sitting in the chairs properly.

There are many different scenarios where kids can get hurt, not just the ones in the chairs but the people around them as well. Be careful, and sit in your chairs properly! This is an important rule at all ages.

Safety Tip #3 : Strangers

You've heard it a million times before, "Don't talk to strangers", but this rule is important in school too! If you are in the rest room, walking to class, or are wandering the hallways for some reason and see a stranger trying to get in the locked door, DON'T LET THEM IN. Go get a teacher or other adult and tell them someone is at the door. They could be there for bad reasons. For the safety of everyone in the school, don't allow strangers inside of the school building. This simple rule can prevent harm to a lot of people. Just because someone seems nice, doesn't necessarily mean they are. Stay safe =].

For teachers: read this Winnie The Pooh story about staying safe and not talking to strangers! http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Dell/9779/Strangers.html

Safety Tip #2: Don't Run!

Running inside of the school building in unacceptable, and dangerous. You never know when there could be another student or teacher right around the corner. Running in the classroom is very dangerous! You could trip on any of the multiple obstacles in the classroom: rugs, chairs, people etc. If you fell you could hit your head on the table, chairs, door, or anything else. Safety is number one! Keep your self, your students, and the class room safe by keeping an appropriate speed!

Safety Tip #1 : Recess Safety

Recess is everyone's favorite part of the day! However, it is extremely important to follow these simple rules while at recess.

1. STAY AWAY FROM THE STREET- Just because you can see the cars, doesn't mean the driver can see you! If a ball rolls out into the street, just ask your teacher to go with you to get it.
2. LISTEN TO YOUR TEACHER- If you hear your teacher trying to get your attention, stop whatever you are doing and focus on her. There could be a potential danger around you. Also she could need your attention to do something else.

3. DON'T PUSH- Harming another student could end up getting you into trouble and hurting your friend! If everyone is safe then recess can continue. If you break the rules, you won't have the privledge.

For safe fun recess games, click here!: http://library.thinkquest.org/J002150/