Lesson Plan
Stay Close, Stay Safe Lesson Plan
Help a 2nd grader recognize the dangers of wandering off, learn to stay near their caregiver, and practice using visual aids and memory tools to remember safety routines.
Eloping can quickly lead to dangerous situations. This lesson empowers the student with understanding and practical strategies to stay close and feel confident in following safety routines.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, visuals, craft, and role-play
Materials
Safety Routine Chart, Eloping Scenario Cards, Memory Bracelet Craft Guide, Stay Close Reminder Poster, and Paper and Markers
Prep
Print and Organize Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy of the Safety Routine Chart for display.
- Print, cut, and shuffle the set of Eloping Scenario Cards.
- Gather beads, string, and instructions for the Memory Bracelet Craft Guide.
- Print and hang the Stay Close Reminder Poster in the classroom.
- Review all materials and familiarize yourself with each activity.
Step 1
Introduction and Hook
5 minutes
- Greet the student and explain today's topic: staying safe by staying close to caregivers.
- Show the Stay Close Reminder Poster and ask what it means.
- Briefly introduce the Safety Routine Chart and explain how it helps us remember steps to stay safe.
Step 2
Discussing Why Eloping Is Unsafe
8 minutes
- Display the Safety Routine Chart and walk through each step.
- Use three example cards from the Eloping Scenario Cards and read them aloud.
- For each scenario, ask: “What could happen if you wandered off?” and “What should you do instead?”
- Reinforce the importance of staying within sight of a trusted adult.
Step 3
Practice: Bracelet Craft and Role-Play
12 minutes
- Introduce the Memory Bracelet Craft Guide.
- Have the student choose beads representing key safety reminders (e.g., caregiver’s color, safe spot marker).
- While crafting, review aloud the steps on the Safety Routine Chart.
- After the bracelet is made, pick two new Eloping Scenario Cards and role-play the correct response, with the student wearing their bracelet as a reminder.
Step 4
Wrap-Up and Reflection
5 minutes
- Review the four safety steps on the Safety Routine Chart.
- Ask the student how the bracelet and poster will help them remember what to do.
- Encourage the student to practice with their caregiver at home.
- Congratulate the student on learning to stay close and safe.
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Slide Deck
Stay Close, Stay Safe!
Welcome! Today we'll learn how to stay safe by staying near our caregiver.
Welcome students! Today we are going to learn how to stay close to our caregivers so we can stay safe. Explain that 'eloping' means wandering off without telling anyone and why we avoid it.
What Does ‘Stay Close’ Mean?
• It means staying where your caregiver can see you.
• It helps you feel safe and never get lost.
Show the Stay Close Reminder Poster. Ask: What do you think 'Stay Close' means? Guide students to say it means staying where a trusted adult can see you.
Our Safety Routine
- Stay where your grown-up can see you.
- Ask before you go anywhere.
- Find a safe spot if you get separated.
- Call for help (yell, find a grown-up).
Introduce the Safety Routine Chart. Read each of the four steps aloud, pointing to each one on the chart.
Why Wandering Off Is Unsafe
• You might get lost.
• You could meet someone you don’t know.
• You might get hurt or scared.
• Always stay where your grown-up can see you.
Use three Eloping Scenario Cards. Read each scenario and ask: What could happen? What should we do instead? Reinforce that wandering off can be dangerous.
Memory Bracelet & Role-Play
• Pick beads for each safety step.
• String them into a bracelet.
• Wear it to remember what to do.
• Role-play two scenarios using your bracelet.
Bring out the Memory Bracelet Craft materials. Show beads and explain what each color means. Guide the student to choose beads and string them while you review the safety steps. Then pick two more scenario cards and role-play, using the bracelet as a reminder.
Wrap-Up & Reflection
• Review our four safety steps.
• Talk about how your bracelet helps you remember.
• Practice at home with your caregiver.
• Great job learning to stay close and safe!
Review the four steps on the Safety Routine Chart one more time. Ask the student: How will your bracelet and poster help you? Praise their work and remind them to practice at home with a caregiver.
Activity
Safety Routine Chart
Use this chart to remember what to do if you feel lost or want to wander off. Hang it up where you can see it!
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stay where your grown-up can see you |
| 2 | Ask before you go anywhere |
| 3 | Find a safe spot if you get separated |
| 4 | Call for help (yell loudly or find a grown-up) |
Activity
Eloping Scenario Cards
Cut out each of these cards and shuffle them. Read one aloud at a time. For each scenario, discuss:
- What could happen if you wandered off?
- What should you do instead?
Card 1: You are at the park with your caregiver. You see a colorful butterfly and want to follow it beyond the fence.
Card 2: You’re in a grocery store and spot candy on a high shelf. You leave your grown-up’s side to reach it.
Card 3: At the playground, you go down the slide and see a dog outside the fence. You walk toward the dog to pet it.
Card 4: You’re at the zoo and move away from your family to get closer to the lions.
Card 5: In a museum, you walk away from your parent to look at a painting in another room.
Card 6: During a school field trip, you run toward an ice cream truck parked far away.
Teacher Tip: Print double-sided if desired, cut into individual cards, and shuffle. Use these cards in the “Discussing Why Eloping Is Unsafe” and “Practice” sections of the lesson.
Activity
Memory Bracelet Craft Guide
Use this guide to make a wearable reminder of our safety routine. Each bead color stands for one step. Wear it every time you go out to help you remember what to do!
Materials
- Elastic cord or string (about 12 inches)
- Beads in four colors: red, blue, green, yellow
- Scissors
- Tape or small clip (to keep cord from slipping)
Bead Color Meanings
| Color | Reminds You To… |
|---|---|
| Red | Step 1: Stay where your grown-up can see you |
| Blue | Step 2: Ask before you go anywhere |
| Green | Step 3: Find a safe spot if you get separated |
| Yellow | Step 4: Call for help (yell or find a grown-up right away) |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cord: Measure the cord around your wrist, leaving 2 inches extra for tying. Cut it and secure one end with tape or a clip.
- Tie a Starter Knot: Make a small knot about 1 inch from one end to hold beads in place.
- String Your Beads: In order—red, blue, green, yellow—slide each bead onto the cord.
- As you pick each bead, say the step out loud (e.g., “Red—stay where my grown-up can see me”).
- Finish the Bracelet: Tie the two ends of the cord together with a strong double knot. Trim any extra cord.
- Wear and Practice: Put on your bracelet and practice saying all four steps using your beads as a guide.
Teacher Tips
- Reinforce Learning: Prompt the student to describe each bead’s meaning as they string it.
- Role-Play Check: After crafting, use two new Eloping Scenario Cards and have the student touch each bead to decide what step they’d take in the scenario.
- Home Extension: Encourage the student to teach their caregiver how the bracelet works and practice the routine together.
Activity
Stay Close Reminder Poster
Stay Close, Stay Safe!
👀 Keep your grown-up in sight at all times.
• Stay where your grown-up can see you
• Ask before you go anywhere
• Find a safe spot if you get separated
• Call for help if you ever feel lost or scared
🔔 Remember: Look for your grown-up’s hand and keep them in view.
(Place this poster at eye-level in the classroom or home to help you remember your safety steps.)