The Playground Promise

Arun, Mia and Ravi were excited. It was a bright Saturday afternoon, and they were at their neighbourhood playground.

“Let's play on the swings!” said Ravi.

Arun ran towards the swings, but Mia stopped him.

“Wait! Someone is already using that swing,” she said. “Let's take turns.”

Arun smiled. “You're right. I'll wait.”

They stood behind the safe waiting line while another child finished playing.

Soon it was Arun's turn. He sat properly on the swing and held the chains with both hands.

“Remember, no pushing from behind,” said Mia.

“Good idea,” Arun replied.

Nearby, Ravi wanted to climb the play structure. He looked at the equipment carefully and used the steps instead of climbing over the sides.

Their parents watched from a nearby bench.

After a while, the children noticed that the playground was becoming busy.

“Let's slow down and give everyone some space,” said Mia.

They moved away from the swings and waited until the area was clear.

Then Ravi pointed to a loose-looking part of the playground equipment.

“Should we check it?”

“No,” said Arun. “We shouldn't touch it. Let's tell an adult.”

They walked over to Arun's mother and told her what they had noticed.

She thanked them and said, “That was a smart choice. When something doesn't look safe, don't touch it. Move away and tell an adult.”

The children nodded.

Before leaving, Mia held out her hand.

“Let's make a playground promise.”

“What promise?” asked Ravi.

Mia smiled.

“We promise to play safely, take turns, stay alert and ask an adult when we need help.”

Arun and Ravi agreed.

“Promise!”

And with that, the three friends continued their afternoon of safe and happy play.

Remember

PLAY SAFELY → TAKE TURNS → STAY ALERT → ASK AN ADULT

Think About It

1. Why did Arun wait for his turn?
2. What did Ravi do when he noticed something that did not look safe?
3. Why should children avoid touching playground equipment that may be unsafe?
4. What would you do if something at the playground didn't feel safe?

Safety Message:
Notice something unsafe? Stay away and tell a responsible adult.

Parent / Teacher Note

Use a recent visit to a playground as a simple opportunity to discuss safe play with the child.

Ask the child to identify:

• How to wait safely for a turn.
• Why pushing and rough play can be unsafe.
• How to use playground equipment properly.
• Where to stand safely around moving equipment.
• What to do if something looks damaged or unsafe.

Encourage the child to remember:

“If something doesn't feel safe, I stop, move away and tell a responsible adult.”