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Street Sign Safety

Children will learn about road safety as they use toy vehicles to play with the traffic signs they will create. 

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Craft Sticks
  • Long Sheet of Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have a discussion about street signs that children may be familiar with. As they look at a broad selection of traffic signs, ask them to research ones they are not yet familiar with. What does a red eight-sided sign mean? What does a yellow sign with a black "X" through it indicate? What about red, yellow, and green lights? Explain that these signs are there to keep drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safe.

  • Step 2

    Have students look at images of some common road signs. Suggestions include signs that indicate drivers should stop, yield, not enter a designated area, or be aware that a curvy road is ahead. Then have them create mini versions of the signs using Model Magic and craft sticks. Encourage them to also create a setting for the signs by drawing roads, railroad tracks, and other outdoor landscape features on a sheet of paper that is large enough to use with toy vehicles.

  • Step 3

    When their work is complete, have children talk about what each sign means and use them to enact scenes using their signs and toy vehicles in a play area.

Standards

SEL: Responsible Decision-Making: Consider ethical standards and safety concerns and evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being. 

SEL: Responsible Decision-Making: Reflect on one’s role to promote personal, family and community well-being.

Adaptations

Play a "stop and go" game using images of signs. It might be a picture of a red light and green light, or a stop sign and a walk sign. Put on some music and have the children dance or engage in creative movements. Have them pay attention to the auditory cues and follow instructions as various signs are held up.

Read a book such as "Officer Buckle and Gloria" by Peggy Rathmann, "How Do Dinosaurs Stay Safe?" by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, or any other book about safety techniques. Discuss safety tips with the class.