Life is a series of challenges we navigate, and for parents, one of the most nerve-wracking of these is teaching their kids to safely cross the street. Parents, we hear you! In a world constantly in a hurry, ensuring that our kids can safely and confidently move from one side of the road to another can be stressful. Above all, what every parent seeks is peace of mind. We’ve deconstructed this vital life skill into simple steps. And while you’re reading, don’t forget to let your kids watch our Goal Mine class video—it translates these concepts into a fun, engaging format they’ll love.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Best Place to Cross
- Seek Those Crosswalks and Pedestrian Bridges: Choosing the best place to cross the street is crucial. For example, while seemingly basic, crosswalks are designed for safety, making them your best bet. Teach your kids to always opt for these designated areas. Meanwhile, pedestrian bridges are also a great option, keeping you elevated and away from the traffic below.
- Stay Away from Bends and Curves: A street bend or curve can hide oncoming cars from view. In short, it’s a risky spot to cross. Teaching kids to find straight parts of the road where visibility is clear from both sides is vital.
Read more: How to Teach Your Kids to Walk the Dog
| Step Number | Step Title | Key Point(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Place to Cross | Seek Crosswalks and Pedestrian Bridges Avoid Bends and Curves |
| 2 | Best Time to Cross | Cross when the Road is Least Busy Make Eye Contact with Drivers |
| 3 | Be Safe Around Cars | Never Assume all Cars will Stop Stand Clear from Parked Cars |
Read more: Top 5 Learning Videos for Kids
Step 2: Best Time to Cross
- When the Road is Least Busy: During certain times, such as early mornings or late evenings, traffic tends to be lighter. However, this doesn’t mean cars aren’t present. Teach kids to be even more vigilant during these times, as drivers might not expect pedestrians.
- After Making Eye Contact with Drivers: Here’s a tip: Eye contact with a driver ensures they’ve seen you. Teach your kids to wait until the driver signals or stops completely. This acknowledgment is a clear indication that it’s safer to move ahead.
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
Step 3: Be Safe Around Cars
- Never Assume: It’s a common misconception to think that if one car stops, others will, too. Kids must understand that cars in different lanes might have different intentions. In other words, one stop doesn’t mean all will.
- Standing Clear from Parked Cars:A parked car is like a visual barrier. Firstly, it blocks drivers from seeing someone ready to cross. Secondly, kids might suddenly dart into the street, surprising oncoming traffic. Teach children to always stand far from parked cars when preparing to cross.
Here are some tips for crossing the street safely:
- Stop: Before crossing, stop at the curb, edge of the road, or corner.
- Look: Look left, right, and left again. Traffic is closer to you on the left side, so start by looking there. If there is no traffic, walk straight across.
- Listen: Look and listen for traffic to the left, then to the right and then to the left again. If traffic is coming, let it pass then look all round again.
- Cross: Cross at the street corner and walk in crosswalks. Continue to check for traffic while crossing.
- Obey signs: Obey the traffic signals and signs.
- Be aware: Stay aware of what is happening around you. Sometimes things will block your view of the street, like cars, trash cans, bushes, and buses. Treat the thing blocking your view like a second edge of the street.
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Teaching your kid to “cross the street” safely is an essential rite of passage. By breaking it down, focusing on practical techniques, and repeating these steps, we foster a sense of independence in our kids. Safety, above all, is paramount. And while our embedded YouTube video gives you a head start on step one, there’s so much more to explore. Are you looking to unlock the full range of video lessons on this topic? Consider getting Goally’s dedicated Tablet—it’s your key to a world of comprehensive learning for your kids.
FAQ’s About How to Cross the Street
What are the basic steps to teach a child to cross the street? Teach them to stop at the curb, look both ways, listen for traffic, and then cross when it's safe. How can I make learning to cross the street fun for my child? Turn it into a game by practicing with toy cars and a play mat before heading outside. What safety measures should kids follow when crossing the street? Kids should always cross at designated crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and never run across the street. How can visual schedules help in teaching street crossing? Visual schedules can outline the steps of crossing the street, providing a clear guide for kids to follow. At what age should kids start learning to cross the street? Kids can start learning the basics around age 5, but they should always be supervised until they demonstrate consistent safety awareness.
This post was originally published on 08/30/2023. It was updated on 02/15/2024.
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