Practicing Safety in All Lessons

The lessons contained in this area are written by teachers for teachers. These are ideas that teachers are willing to share with others because they have worked well in their classrooms. However, all classroom situations differ, and those using these lesson plans must be sure to adapt them to their students and their classroom environments. What works well and safely in one classroom may not work as well or safely in another without some or significant adaptation.

Lessons that focus upon science experiments/investigations, art projects, and activities or materials that could possibly cause problems without proper supervision, should be thoroughly planned to fit the ages, needs and abilities of the target students. Teachers should review with students standards, procedures, and guidelines for lessons and activities; use appropriate equipment to ensure safety; and provide necessary direction and supervision.

School or district safety guidelines as well as textbook and equipment safety suggestions/directions for activities should be followed. Students should be taught proper handling of tools, beginning with scissors, pencils, etc. in kindergarten and extending to use of science labs and art tools in high school. Teachers must supervise to insure that students understand and follow the rules set for lesson activities, investigations, and experiments. If, for example, goggles are required for an activity, they must be worn without exception. Students will become used to following safety standards in classrooms when standards are understood and when students know that safety comes first.

The best advice for teachers is to plan lessons with safety in mind, be aware of standards for use of equipment and direction of student activities, make sure students understand and follow rules, and use common sense and careful supervision always.