September 22nd, 2010
By Whitney
The transition to elementary school brings with it significant changes to a child’s physical world. The space they navigate is much larger. The amount of attention paid to them by a caregiver is much less.
Last week, after three days at his new elementary school, my son and I were on the campus after school hours. He took great delight in showing me how different corridors were connected. We experimented with walking alone to the school’s gate and each took separate paths to get to the same destination, calling out “Meet you there!” before losing sight of each other.
It’s my job to get him ready for more independent endeavors, and I love this aspect of parenting. I can almost envision him walking down to our grocery store to buy something I’ve forgotten. But not yet.
Practicing and rehearsing are the best ways to encourage independence and safe behavior. I resolve to allow him to walk further and further ahead of me and to speak for himself in the presence of strangers. I plan to quiz him along the way, asking what he would do if he got lost, and reinforcing our contingency plans. As the school year progresses, I can’t wait to see what lessons in navigating the world he comes away with.
Photo: Brian Auer on flickr
Tags: Kids, school
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September 2nd, 2009
By Heather
In our town, if you live less than 1.5 miles from school, you are not eligible for the school bus … budget cuts, wah, don’t get me started! Consequently, there will be many little people walking, hurried commuters driving, enviro-conscious bikers pedaling, and the regular school bus traveling its route all fighting for the same roads. Throw in some hills, weather and a sunset for poor visibility, and you have a recipe for chaos.
Getting to and from school safely
As schools get back in session, please take extra care during morning and afternoon commutes:
- Respect and obey school crossing guards. Wave hello to them; they are doing an important job.
- As you pull into traffic at all intersections and near school parking lots, be aware of walking children.
- Remember school zones and follow posted speed limits. Don’t try to speed around school zones. If your commute permits, consider taking another road next time.
- Follow basic rules for a stopped school bus:
1) When a school bus stops and flashes red light(s), drivers approaching from either direction must stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.
2) Once stopped for a school bus, drivers may not start until the red lights stop flashing or the bus driver waves
3) After stopping for a school bus, drivers must watch for children along the side of the road and drive slowly until past them.
- Be on the lookout for children who may wander into traffic while waiting for and when getting on and off of the school bus.
Just as I ask you not to speed through my neighborhood street in the summertime, now I ask you to please be cautious as you drive when our children are heading back to school. Thank you!
Related post: cross roads safely and silently
Tags: back, home, safe, Safety, school, UL
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