Lesson Plan
Choice Time: Safe or Not?
Students will be able to identify and differentiate between safe and dangerous choices in common school situations and explain why certain choices are safe or dangerous.
Understanding safe and dangerous choices is vital for students' personal safety, the safety of others, and for creating a positive school community where everyone feels secure and can learn effectively.
Audience
2nd Grade Students (Tier 2 Group)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, visual aids, and scenario analysis, students will practice identifying and categorizing choices.
Materials
Prep
Preparation Steps
15 minutes
- Review all generated materials: Safe vs. Dangerous Choices Slide Deck, Warm-Up Activity: What Do You See?, Scenario Cards Activity, Safe Choice Worksheet, Safe Choice Worksheet Answer Key, and Cool-Down: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down.
- Print and cut out the Scenario Cards Activity cards (if using physical copies).
- Ensure projector/whiteboard is set up for the Safe vs. Dangerous Choices Slide Deck.
- Have markers/pens and student worksheets ready.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Greet students and introduce the topic of making choices at school.
- Lead the Warm-Up Activity: What Do You See? by presenting an image and asking students to identify safe/dangerous elements. Discuss their observations.
- (Refer to Teacher Script for detailed guidance).
Step 2
Defining Safe and Dangerous Choices
7 minutes
- Use the Safe vs. Dangerous Choices Slide Deck to explicitly define safe and dangerous choices.
- Provide clear examples relevant to a 2nd grader's school experience.
- Encourage brief student sharing of examples.
- (Refer to Teacher Script for detailed guidance).
Step 3
Scenario Cards Activity
10 minutes
- Distribute the Scenario Cards Activity cards to the group.
- Have students read each scenario (or read aloud if needed) and discuss whether the choice is safe or dangerous, and why.
- Guide the discussion, asking probing questions and ensuring all students participate and understand.
- (Refer to Teacher Script for detailed guidance).
Step 4
Worksheet & Wrap-Up
5 minutes
- Distribute the Safe Choice Worksheet.
- Have students complete one or two scenarios independently or as a group if time is short.
- Briefly review answers as a group (using Safe Choice Worksheet Answer Key as reference).
- (Refer to Teacher Script for detailed guidance).
Step 5
Cool-Down & Conclusion
3 minutes
- Lead the Cool-Down: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down.
- Review key takeaways about making safe choices at school.
- Thank students for their participation and good choices.
- (Refer to Teacher Script for detailed guidance).
Slide Deck
Welcome! Safe Choices at School
Hello everyone!
Today, we're going to talk about something super important: making safe choices at school. Why is this important? Because when we make safe choices, we keep ourselves and our friends happy and healthy!
Welcome students to the session. Briefly introduce the topic: making smart choices to stay safe at school. Explain that today we'll learn about safe and dangerous choices.
Warm-Up: What Do You See?
Let's start with a picture! Look closely at this image.
What do you notice?
What are the people doing?
Are their actions safe or dangerous? Why?
Introduce the Warm-Up activity. Display the image from 'Warm-Up Activity: What Do You See?'. Ask students to look carefully and share what they notice. Guide them to identify actions that are safe or dangerous.
What are Safe Choices?
Safe choices are actions that:
- Keep you and your friends from getting hurt.
- Help everyone feel happy and secure.
- Follow school rules.
Can you think of an example of a safe choice you make at school?
Define 'safe choices.' Emphasize that these choices keep us and others from getting hurt and help create a good environment. Give simple examples like walking in the hall.
What are Dangerous Choices?
Dangerous choices are actions that:
- Could hurt you or your friends.
- Break school rules.
- Make others feel worried or unsafe.
What's an example of a dangerous choice to avoid at school?
Define 'dangerous choices.' Explain that these choices can lead to harm, breaking rules, or making others feel unsafe. Give simple examples like running in the hall.
Time for Scenarios!
Now, let's practice! We're going to look at some different situations that might happen at school.
For each situation, we'll decide together: Is this a SAFE choice or a DANGEROUS choice? And most importantly, WHY?
Transition to the scenario activity. Explain that they will read different situations and decide if the choice is safe or dangerous. Encourage thoughtful discussion.
You've Got This!
Great job today! Remember, making safe choices is like being a superhero for yourself and your school!
Keep practicing your safe choices every day!
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main idea: making safe choices is a skill that helps everyone. Encourage students to keep practicing this skill every day.
Warm Up
Warm-Up Activity: What Do You See?
Instructions:
- Display an image showing a school setting with both safe and potentially dangerous actions (e.g., kids walking nicely in a hallway, one child running, a group playing safely on the playground, one child climbing unsafely).
- (Teacher Note: You can find a suitable image online or draw a simple one on the board.)
- Ask students:
*
Activity
Scenario Cards Activity: Safe or Dangerous?
Instructions for Students:
Read each scenario below. Talk with your group about whether the choice being made is SAFE or DANGEROUS. Then, explain WHY you think so and what a safer choice might be.
Scenario 1: Hallway Hustle
During dismissal, Maya pushes past other students to be first in line to get on the bus. She trips and bumps into another student, causing them both to drop their backpacks and books.
Is this choice SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Scenario 2: Playground Fun
Leo sees his friend Alex struggling to climb to the top of the slide. Instead of waiting for a turn, Leo quickly climbs up the slide backwards to try and help Alex from above, blocking other kids who are trying to come down.
Is this choice SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Scenario 3: Classroom Clean-Up
It's time to clean up art supplies. Sarah sees a spill of glitter on the floor. Instead of telling the teacher, she tries to quickly sweep it up with her hand, making the glitter spread even more and getting it in her eyes.
Is this choice SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Scenario 4: Lunchroom Manners
David is excited about his lunch. When the teacher isn't looking, he throws his sandwich crust at his friend across the table as a joke. It misses his friend and hits another student who wasn't paying attention.
Is this choice SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Scenario 5: Library Quiet
During library time, Emily and Jake whisper loudly and giggle about a funny book. They are disturbing other students who are trying to read and find books.
Is this choice SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Scenario 6: Fire Drill Practice
During a fire drill, the alarm rings loudly. Instead of lining up quietly, Kevin starts yelling and running around, thinking it's a game, making it harder for his classmates to hear directions and exit safely.
Is this choice SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
(Teacher Note: You can print these scenarios and cut them into individual cards for group discussion.)
Worksheet
Safe Choice Worksheet
Name: _________________________
Instructions: Read each situation and decide if the choice is SAFE or DANGEROUS. Circle your answer. Then, explain why and what a safe choice would be.
Situation 1:
During recess, Tom sees a group of older kids playing soccer. He really wants to join, so he runs onto the field without looking, right in front of a kicking ball.
Is this choice: SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Situation 2:
Lisa is walking in the classroom and sees a pencil on the floor near her desk. She carefully picks it up to avoid someone tripping and puts it in the pencil holder.
Is this choice: SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Situation 3:
At the drinking fountain, Sam pushes his way to the front because he is very thirsty and doesn't want to wait.
Is this choice: SAFE or DANGEROUS?
Why?
What would be a safer choice?
Cool Down
Cool-Down: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down
Instructions:
Listen as your teacher describes different actions. Give a THUMBS UP if it's a SAFE choice, and a THUMBS DOWN if it's a DANGEROUS choice.
After each action, briefly explain why.
- Walking quietly in the hallway.
- (Thumbs Up - keeps everyone from tripping and helps others concentrate.)
- Running around chairs in the classroom.
- (Thumbs Down - could cause someone to trip and get hurt, or break something.)
- Sharing crayons with a friend.
- (Thumbs Up - shows kindness and allows everyone to use supplies safely.)
- Climbing up the outside of the slide.
- (Thumbs Down - very dangerous, you could fall and get seriously hurt, and block others.)
- Telling a teacher if you see something broken or a spill.
- (Thumbs Up - helps keep everyone safe by fixing problems quickly before someone gets hurt.)
- Keeping your hands and feet to yourself.
- (Thumbs Up - respects personal space and prevents accidental bumps or pushes.)
- Yelling loudly during library time.
- (Thumbs Down - disturbs others who are trying to read or work quietly.)
- Waiting patiently for your turn on the swing.
- (Thumbs Up - shows good manners and prevents pushing or injuries.)
Script
Teacher Script: Safe Choices
Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning, wonderful learners! Today, we're going to talk about something super important: making choices. Every day, we make lots of choices, especially here at school. Some choices help keep us and others safe and happy, while other choices can be a bit dangerous."
Teacher: "Let's start with a little warm-up called What Do You See?. I'm going to show you an image on the screen [display the image from Warm-Up Activity: What Do You See? on the Safe vs. Dangerous Choices Slide Deck]. Take a good look. What do you notice happening in this picture? Are the people making safe choices or dangerous choices? Why?"
(Allow students to share observations. Guide them to identify specific actions and discuss if they are safe or dangerous, and explain their reasoning.)
Teacher: "Great observations, everyone! You're already thinking like safety experts!"
Defining Safe and Dangerous Choices (7 minutes)
Teacher: "Now, let's talk about what makes a choice safe or dangerous. [Advance to the 'What are Safe Choices?' slide on the Safe vs. Dangerous Choices Slide Deck]."
Teacher: "A safe choice is an action that:"
- "Keeps you and your friends from getting hurt."
- "Helps everyone feel happy and secure."
- "Follows our school rules."
Teacher: "Can anyone think of an example of a safe choice you make at school every day?"
(Call on 1-2 students for examples, e.g., 'walking in the hallway,' 'listening to the teacher.')
Teacher: "Excellent examples! Now, let's look at the other kind of choice. [Advance to the 'What are Dangerous Choices?' slide on the Safe vs. Dangerous Choices Slide Deck]."
Teacher: "A dangerous choice is an action that:"
- "Could hurt you or your friends."
- "Breaks school rules."
- "Makes others feel worried or unsafe."
Teacher: "What's an example of a dangerous choice we should try to avoid at school?"
(Call on 1-2 students for examples, e.g., 'running in the classroom,' 'pushing someone.')
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. It's really important to know the difference."
Scenario Cards Activity (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Alright, it's time to practice being choice detectives! [Advance to the 'Time for Scenarios!' slide on the Safe vs. Dangerous Choices Slide Deck]. I have some Scenario Cards here. We're going to read each situation and, as a group, decide: Is this a SAFE choice or a DANGEROUS choice? And the most important part: WHY?"
(Distribute the printed Scenario Cards Activity cards or read them aloud, one by one.)
Teacher: "Let's read Scenario 1 together: 'During dismissal, Maya pushes past other students to be first in line to get on the bus. She trips and bumps into another student, causing them both to drop their backpacks and books.'"
Teacher: "What do you think? Safe or Dangerous? Why? What could Maya have done differently?"
(Facilitate discussion for each scenario in the Scenario Cards Activity. Ensure all students contribute and articulate their reasoning. Guide them towards understanding the consequences and identifying safer alternatives.)
Teacher: "You're doing an amazing job analyzing these situations!"
Worksheet & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Now, you'll get a chance to show what you've learned on your own. I'm handing out this Safe Choice Worksheet. Please read the situations and circle if it's safe or dangerous. Then, write down why you think so and what a safer choice would be."
(Distribute the Safe Choice Worksheet. Circulate to assist students. If time is short, have them complete just one or two scenarios.)
Teacher: "Let's quickly go over one or two of the worksheet scenarios as a group. [Choose one or two scenarios from the worksheet and ask students to share their answers. Refer to the Safe Choice Worksheet Answer Key as needed.]"
Cool-Down & Conclusion (3 minutes)
Teacher: "We're almost out of time, but let's do one last quick activity called Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down. I'll say an action, and you'll give me a thumbs up if it's a safe choice, or a thumbs down if it's a dangerous choice. Be ready to explain why!"
(Lead the Cool-Down: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down activity, going through the actions quickly and asking for brief explanations.)
Teacher: "Fantastic work today, everyone! You've shown that you understand the difference between safe and dangerous choices at school. Remember, making safe choices is like being a superhero for yourself and your school! Keep practicing your safe choices every day, and help make our school a safe and happy place for everyone!"
Teacher: "Thank you for your excellent participation!"
Answer Key
Safe Choice Worksheet Answer Key
Situation 1:
During recess, Tom sees a group of older kids playing soccer. He really wants to join, so he runs onto the field without looking, right in front of a kicking ball.
Is this choice: DANGEROUS
Why? Running onto a field without looking is dangerous because a fast-moving ball could hit him, or he could run into other players and cause an accident. He could get hurt, and so could others.
What would be a safer choice? Tom should wait until the game stops or get the attention of the players and ask if he can join in a safe way. He should always look before entering a playing area.
Situation 2:
Lisa is walking in the classroom and sees a pencil on the floor near her desk. She carefully picks it up to avoid someone tripping and puts it in the pencil holder.
Is this choice: SAFE
Why? Picking up objects from the floor prevents people from tripping and falling, which keeps everyone safe. It also shows responsibility and care for the classroom.
What would be a safer choice? Lisa made a safe choice. Another safe choice would be to tell the teacher if it was a mess she couldn't handle herself.
Situation 3:
At the drinking fountain, Sam pushes his way to the front because he is very thirsty and doesn't want to wait.
Is this choice: DANGEROUS
Why? Pushing can cause someone to lose their balance, fall, and get hurt. It also makes other students feel upset or disrespected. It's not fair to others who are waiting their turn.
What would be a safer choice? Sam should wait patiently for his turn in line. If he is very thirsty, he could politely ask an adult if he can get a drink sooner or explain why he's so thirsty, but pushing is never okay.