In this lesson, the teacher will...
Day 1: Ask essential questions about safety. Introduce book "Axle Annie and the Speed Grump". Pre-reading questions:
Do you know what it means to be a reckless driver or a menace on the road?
What behaviors might you see someone do who is not a safe driver?
How can wearing a seatbelt protect you from reckless drivers?
Can kids ever be reckless with their bikes?
Read book (6-8 minutes)
Rally Robin (Kagan Strategy) with shoulder partner - compare Axle Annie's driving to Rush Hotfoot (about 1 minute)
Ask for 1 or 2 people to share with class
Day 2: Choose a student to summarize the book
Questions to consider:
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Why do kids like Axle Annie so much?
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Describe Great Gulping Gulch Bridge.
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What does “bearing down fast” mean? Can you give an example?
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Do you ever notice people doing silly (even reckless) things while driving?
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Why did Annie visit the Grump Club? Did it help?
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Explain how Rush ends up with a ticket.
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What happens to Rush on the Great Gulping Gulch Bridge?
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Do you think it was safe for Annie to help? Should people help others even if it puts them in danger? What can someone always do in an emergency that is helpful?
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What consequence does Rush face for his actions? What did he learn?
Show Colorado's Child Restraint Laws and go over rules for ages 8-16
View You Tube Video - Minutes for Kids - Seatbelt Safety
Think/Pair/Share - 1 rule for seatbelts for children (each person shares)
Day 3:
Have each brainstorm 4 or 5 important rules in the following areas: seatbelt safety, bicycle safety, and playground safety. Then, write the rules in the simplest words and illustrate them.
Day 4: Each group share 1 or 2 rules for either seatbelt safety, bicycle safety, or playground safety.