SELF HELP INC. CFCE

Kindergarten Readiness/Transition Series
(Information for Parents)
 
We hope you are enjoying the Kindergarten Readiness Email Series!  Don't forget to contact your public school for all the latest news on Kindergarten Registration!!
 
Now that we have discussed the 7 areas that will help your child transition into Kindergarten, a final word on BUS SAFETY!  It is very importance that you communicate the Rules of Bus Safety to your child. Check with your school district to get their rules and regulations on Bus Safety.


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Self Help Inc CFCE Staff
SELF HELP INC. CFCE
 
Kindergarten Article on Bus Safety!
 
School Bus Safety for Kindergartener's
  Metro Creative Connection

 

A kindergartener's first day of school is a day to cherish. There are so many firsts to experience, from wearing a backpack for the first time to making new friends to riding on a school bus. All of these firsts can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.

For many youngsters, school marks the first time they are away from their parents for an extended period of time. As a result,safety concerns especially concerning transportation to and from school -- is foremost on the minds of many parents. School bus safety is something that should be presented to children in terms they can understand.



Riding on a school bus  is often a fun experience for kids, but the prospect of leaving Mom or Dad behind at the curb can spark mixed feelings. It is best to prepare students for the school bus a few weeks prior to the first day of school to gauge their reactions and plan accordingly.


Many school districts and transportation

companies, host annual events that help introduce kindergarteners-to-be to the school bus. Children are encouraged to enter the bus and learn about all of the equipment. The students also may be given a short ride around town, and safety information is typically included. If the school district where you are living does not host a special orientation day for children entering kindergarten, see if you can arrange to have a bus tour by contacting a bus company in the area.

Although safety tips may be covered at orientation, it is a good idea to reinforce lessons at home in preparation for the first day of school.  

Scholastic Parent & Child

 

 


Kindergarten Activity Section
Things you can go over with your child to ensure that they have a positive experience riding the school bus.

* Walk to the bus using a sidewalk if there is one. If no sidewalk is present, walk on the opposite side of the street facing oncoming traffic.

* Wait for the bus at the designated stop. Don't wander away.

* Do not go into the street while waiting for the bus to arrive.

* Do not roughhouse or run around with friends while waiting for the bus to arrive.

* Wait for the bus a safe distance away from the street until the bus stops and opens the door.

* Walk one-by-one onto the bus. Do not push or crowd the doorway.

* Once on the bus, quickly find a seat and sit down.

* If there is a seat belt, fasten it. (Children should be familiar with how to latch a seat belt.)

* Do not put your head, arms or anything else out of the bus window.

* Keep the bus aisle clear of backpacks or other items.

* Keep voices down so not to distract the driver.

* Listen to the driver.

* Do not throw things on the bus.

* Unbuckle your seat belt only when the bus has stopped at the school (or your stop at home) and the door is open.

* Exit the bus slowly and do not push.

* If you must cross the street when exiting the bus, do so in front of the bus so the driver can see you.

Parents can go over these rules again and again. On the first day of school, some parents prefer to let their children ride the bus to school and then the parents meet the children at the school to watch the boys and girls exit. This also reassures the children that they are safe riding the bus.

 

 

 

Kindergarten Resources

Suggested Media

Get the DVD "Riding to School is Cool"  found on Amazon; it is a great tool as a visual for teaching your child/class about school bus safety. This DVD has characters that are depicted in a cartoon surrounding riding the school bus and how they need to be safe.

 

 

There is a book called "School Bus"  by Donald Crews that has colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand text great for this age group. To give you an example of the text that is included in the book, it reads as follows:

"Yellow school buses large and small. Empty yellow buses cross the town. Stop. Go. Going this way. Going that way. Here it comes. See you later. Full buses head for school. Here we are. Right on time. Empty buses wait. Schools over. Full buses cross the town. Home again. Home again."

 

Another suggested book is titled "Molly Rides the School Bus"   by Julie Brillhart. This book is about a little girl who rides the bus for the very first time and how she faces her fears while riding the bus for the first time. This book is great for preschoolers or those who are new to riding the bus and good for teaching the concepts of bus safety.

 

 

 


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Self Help Inc./CFCE
780 West Main Street
Avon, MA 02322
Phone: 508-559-1666 x128
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Self Help Inc./CFCE is funded by the MA Department of Early Education's Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant.