Health Quests

Being a Safety Hero

Objectives

After completing this activity, students should be able to

• clearly identify a safety hazard either in the home or outdoors.
• provide tips for avoiding hazards and preventing injuries.
• present accurate safety information to younger children in an appropriate and interesting way.

Ask students: Do you believe that some people are just "accident prone," or can most accidents and injuries be prevented? Why might some people become injured more often than other people? (Possible answers: They are in a hurry, they are tired, they don't pay attention, they don't follow the rules.) What are some quick and easy ways to prevent serious injuries? (Possible answers: buckle safety belts, wear bike helmets, wipe up spills right away.) Have students discuss their answers as a group.

Suggestion

Ask for volunteers to read their short stories out loud or to hang their comic strips in the classroom, and have each student explain his or her goals for the piece. As a class, discuss the stories and cartoons. Did the students achieve their goals? Would the story or cartoon appeal to younger children? Were important safety issues included? Is the message clear? What might be some alternative ways to get the message across?