A Quick Check Before You Play!

A quick look around can help make playground time safer and more enjoyable.

Remember:

LOOK → CHECK → PLAY

LOOK — Look around before you begin.
CHECK — Check that the area appears suitable for play.
PLAY — Use equipment properly, take turns, and give others space.

If something does not look safe, stop and tell an adult. Do not try to fix it yourself.

1. BEFORE I PLAY — MY CHECKLIST

Before I start playing, I can check:

☐ The play area looks clear.

☐ The ground looks suitable for play.

☐ The equipment I want to use looks ready to use.

☐ I know how to use the equipment safely.

☐ I know where to wait for my turn.

☐ I can give other children enough space.

2. LOOK AROUND

Take a look around the playground. Think about what you see.

Is the area clear?

☐ Yes
☐ Not sure

Is the ground suitable for play?

☐ Yes
☐ Not sure

Is the equipment ready to use?

☐ Yes
☐ Not sure

Are children taking turns?

☐ Yes
☐ Not sure

Is there enough space to play safely?

☐ Yes
☐ Not sure

Remember:

You do not need to inspect or repair playground equipment.

If you are not sure, stay away and tell a responsible adult.

3. HOW SHOULD I PLAY?

Check the safe-play choices you should follow.

☐ Wait for my turn.

☐ Use equipment the way it is meant to be used.

☐ Give other children enough space.

☐ Follow playground rules.

☐ Listen when a responsible adult gives instructions.

☐ Stop if something does not feel safe.

4. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Read each situation. Check the best choice.

Situation 1

The equipment looks damaged.

☐ A. Use it carefully.
☐ B. Try to fix it.
☐ C. Stay away and tell an adult.

Situation 2

The swing area is busy.

☐ A. Walk directly in front of the swing.
☐ B. Wait for a safe time and keep a safe distance.
☐ C. Push past the other children.

Situation 3

The ground near the play equipment looks wet.

☐ A. Be careful and continue anyway.
☐ B. Tell an adult and wait for guidance.
☐ C. Run across it quickly.

Situation 4

You are unsure how to use a piece of equipment.

☐ A. Try something new.
☐ B. Copy another child.
☐ C. Ask a responsible adult.

5. MY SAFE PLAY PROMISE

Before I play, I will remember to:

☐ Look around.

☐ Check before I play.

☐ Take turns.

☐ Give others space.

☐ Tell an adult if something does not seem safe.

6. DRAW OR WRITE

One safe playground rule I want to remember:

OR

Draw yourself playing safely!

[ Large drawing box ]

7. QUICK SAFETY REMINDER

⭐ I look before I play.

⭐ I use equipment properly.

⭐ I give others space and take turns.

⭐ I tell an adult if something does not seem safe.

FOR ADULTS

Encourage the child to observe the playground and explain their choices. Children should not inspect, climb onto, or repair damaged equipment.

Answer Key

What Should I Do?

1. C — Stay away and tell an adult.
   
   
2. B — Wait for a safe time and keep a safe distance.
   
   
3. B — Tell an adult and wait for guidance.
   
   
4. C — Ask a responsible adult.