1. Activity Introduction

Playgrounds are made for fun, movement, and exploring! Before you start playing, taking a few seconds to look around can help you make a safe choice.

Remember:

LOOK → CHECK → PLAY

You are not a playground inspector. You just need to notice what is happening, make a safe choice, and tell an adult if something does not seem right.

2. Quick Practice: LOOK → CHECK → PLAY

LOOK

Look around before you start.

Notice the people, equipment, and play area around you.

CHECK

Notice whether the equipment and surroundings appear ready for use.

For example, is the equipment dry and does it appear to be in good condition? Is there enough space for you to play safely?

PLAY

Use the equipment in the way it is meant to be used. Follow the playground rules, take turns, and give other children enough space.

Example:
You want to use the slide. First, LOOK around. CHECK that the slide appears ready to use and that the way is clear. Then PLAY by using the slide properly and waiting for your turn.

3. Main Activity: “Which Play Choice Is Safer?”

Read each situation. Choose the safer play choice.

1. Waiting for the slide

You are waiting to use the slide. Another child is still coming down.

A. Climb up the slide while they are using it.
B. Wait for your turn and use the slide the way it is meant to be used.
C. Ask everyone to move because you want a turn.

Safer choice: B

Why? Waiting for your turn helps everyone use the slide safely. Equipment should be used in the way it is designed to be used.

2. A swing is moving

You want to walk past the swings. One swing is moving.

A. Walk close to the moving swing because you think you can get past quickly.
B. Give the moving swing plenty of space and wait for a safe time to pass.
C. Run through the swing area.

Safer choice: B

Why? Giving moving equipment and other children enough space helps everyone play safely.

3. Using the climbing frame

You are playing on a climbing frame.

A. Use the climbing parts in the way the equipment is designed for.
B. Try a new way of climbing that takes you outside the intended play area.
C. Push another child so you can reach the top first.

Safer choice: A

Why? Using equipment as intended and giving others space are important safe-play habits.

4. Equipment is wet after rain

It has rained. A slide and some other equipment look wet.

A. Use the equipment anyway and move very quickly.
B. Check with a responsible adult before using it.
C. Ask a friend to dry it while you start playing.

Safer choice: B

Why? Wet equipment may not be ready for play. If you are unsure, stop and ask a responsible adult.

5. Something looks damaged

You notice that part of a play structure appears loose or damaged.

A. Try to fix it yourself.
B. Climb on it carefully to see whether it works.
C. Stay away from it and tell a responsible adult.

Safer choice: C

Why? Children should not repair or test damaged equipment themselves. Stay away and tell an adult.

6. Where should you stand?

Your friend is using a swing.

A. Stand right beside the moving swing.
B. Give the swing plenty of space and wait somewhere clear.
C. Stand behind your friend and move closer as the swing moves.

Safer choice: B

Why? Giving moving equipment enough space helps you and your friends enjoy the playground safely.

4. Activity: “What Do You Notice?”

For each situation, ask yourself:

“What should you notice before you play?”

1. A swing is moving while another child is walking nearby.

What should you notice?

The swing is moving, so people nearby need to give it enough space.

Safer action: Stay clear of the moving swing and wait for a safe time to pass.

2. The ground near a play structure is wet.

What should you notice?

The ground is wet and may not be ready for active play.

Safer action: Be cautious about using the area and ask a responsible adult whether it is ready for play.

3. Several children are waiting for the slide.

What should you notice?

Other children are waiting for their turns.

Safer action: Join the queue and wait for your turn.

4. A piece of equipment looks loose or damaged.

What should you notice?

The equipment does not appear to be in good condition.

Safer action: Stay away and tell a responsible adult. Do not test or repair it yourself.

5. A child is climbing in a way the equipment was not designed for.

What should you notice?

The child is not using the equipment in its intended way.

Safer action: Use the equipment as intended. If you are concerned about what is happening, tell a responsible adult.

5. Activity: “Safe Play or Change Your Plan?”

Choose one:

PLAY

The situation appears suitable for safe play.

CHANGE HOW YOU PLAY

You can make the situation safer by changing your behaviour.

STOP AND ASK AN ADULT

Something does not appear safe or needs an adult’s attention.

1. The slide is clear and children are taking turns.

Answer: PLAY

Why? The slide appears ready to use, and children are taking turns.

2. The ground is wet around the equipment.

Answer: STOP AND ASK AN ADULT

Why? The wet area may not be ready for play. Ask a responsible adult before continuing.

3. A child is standing too close to a moving swing.

Answer: CHANGE HOW YOU PLAY

Why? Move to a place with more space around the moving swing.

4. A handrail appears loose.

Answer: STOP AND ASK AN ADULT

Why? Do not climb on, test, or repair equipment that appears damaged. Stay away and tell a responsible adult.

6. Practice: “Be a Safe Play Helper”

Being a safe play helper does not mean checking or fixing playground equipment.

It means using kind, positive words to help friends make safer choices.

Situation 1

Your friend wants to go down the slide while another child is still using it.

What would you tell your friend?

“Let’s wait for our turn.”

Situation 2

Your friend is standing very close to a moving swing.

What would you tell your friend?

“Let’s give them some space.”

Situation 3

You and your friend notice that some playground equipment does not look right.

What would you tell your friend?

“That equipment doesn’t look right. Let’s tell an adult.”

Remember: You can encourage a friend to make a safer choice, but an adult should deal with equipment that appears damaged or unsafe.

7. When to Ask an Adult

Tell a responsible adult when:

• equipment looks damaged
• an area is unusually wet or slippery
• you are unsure whether something is safe
• someone is hurt
• another child is behaving in a way that could cause harm

Most important:

You do not need to fix it yourself. Tell an adult.

If you are unsure, asking a responsible adult is always a good choice.

8. Quick Safety Reminder

• I look before I play.
• I use equipment the right way.
• I give others space and take turns.
• If something does not seem safe, I stop and tell an adult.

9. Adult Support Note

Help children practise making their own safer choices.

• Ask “What do you notice?” before giving the answer.
• Ask “What could you do?” to encourage decision-making.
• Reinforce positive behaviours such as waiting, taking turns, using equipment properly, and giving others space.
• Remind children not to repair, test, or climb onto damaged equipment.
• Encourage children to tell a responsible adult whenever something seems unsafe.