Safety Smarts Program Outline

Kindergarten (ECS): “Ready Rooster”

The instructor uses toys to introduce the children to farm safety and how important it is to play safely on the farm. The rule “One Seat One Rider” is emphasized. The video “Ready Rooster” is shown followed by discussion with the class about what they learned from the video. A coloring page with “Ready Rooster” is given to each child.

Grade 1: “Tractor Trouble”

This program starts out with a discussion about things that can be dangerous on a family farm, with demonstration using toys to visually highlight some of these dangers. We discuss tractor safety, grain bins, how dangerous it is to ride in the back of trucks, PTO’s, augers, large animals and sharp or moving machinery parts. If individual children express concerns or share experiences, we leave time for discussion of each. The video “Ready for Safety” is shown followed by discussion about what they have learned. We finish up by reading the book “Tractor Trouble” to the class. A hidden picture and coloring page are left for each child.

Grade 2: “FARMO”

The program expands on the grade one program, discussing dangers on the farm through toy demonstrations. We play a farm safety bingo game called “FARMO”. Each child is trying to get a blackout, this way every child gets FARMO at the same time and they are all winners

Grade 3: “Noise Hunt”

In this presentation we reinforce the farm safety rules that have been taught in grades one and two. We then discuss a kind of farm safety that they probably have never thought about: hearing safety. The video “The Great Farm Noise Hunt” is shown, we then show them how sound is measured using a decimeter. Students are taught that sounds that are too loud for too long, or too often cause sound induced hearing loss. We then present a chart showing what decibel levels are safe and for what length of time. Tape recorded farm machinery sounds are measured using a sound level meter. Each student gets the opportunity to wear ear protectors and measure sounds with the sound level meter.

Grade 4: “Farm Safety Jeopardy”

Basic farm safety rules are again reinforced. This age group enables us to be more in depth in our discussions. Depending on the class size it is split into 4 teams and we play “Farm Safety Jeopardy”. Each team sends one player in turn. A category and a point value are chosen. The question is asked and the team that buzzes in first get the opportunity to answer. If they are correct, their team gets the points. If they are wrong the remaining players are allowed to buzz in again.

Grace 5: “Down on the Farm- the Board Game”

We emphasize the importance of accident prevention with this age group. Dangers on the farm are discussed and the students are taught how to identify dangers. Respecting farm machinery and using tools for the purpose they were meant for are stressed. Examples of farm accidents are given and ways they could have been prevented are discussed. To reinforce the concepts we divide into four groups to play Down on the Farm- the Board Game. When the students are on the Down on the Farm square they must buzz in when they know the Farm Smart thing to do.

Grade 6: “The A-moo-zing Race”

In this presentation students discover how important it is to handle farm animals properly. To emphasize the rules learned “The A-moo-zing Race”, a game based on the TV show is played. The host reads questions where correct answers are rewarded with travel. The first team to make it across Canada is the winner. Roadblocks, detours, yields and fast forwards keep the game interesting.

Programs For Hutterite Colonies

The “Safety Smarts” programs has been tailored to meet the needs of the Hutterite colony schools. In the colony schools there are children from many different grades taught in the same classroom We have adapted the program so that there are five different programs offered on a yearly rotation.

The children will be learning a new aspect of farm safety each year. The games and activities are appropriate for the wide range of ages found in each classroom.

Our colony presentations are 1-11/2 hours long. We offer four program choices, so that colony schools do not have the same presentation year after year.

Lesson 1: “Tractor Trouble”

In this program we discuss Farm Safety Rules focusing on tractor safety. Discussion and language- based activities are used to teach the rules and responsibilities of safe tractor operation. We also discuss other farm machinery safety, such as auger and grain bin safety. If possible the video “Ready Rooster” in shown. After the video we play “Farm Safety Bingo” and end by reading “Tractor Trouble”.

Lesson 2: “Safety Heroes”

This program also includes discussion of Farm Safety Rules, tractors, augers and grain bins. Students learn about hearing conservation, through the use of the sound level meter and the video “The Great Farm Noise Hunt”. Each class learns how to recognize safety hazards and how to take action to prevent injury. Safe chemical handling is also covered in this presentation by dressing students in “Safe” chemical handling clothes.

Lesson 3: “Farm Safety Jeopardy”

This presentation begins with a discussion of farm safety issues, making sure to cover the answers that will be needed to play the jeopardy game. We then watch the video “Safety Net”, and finish up by playing the “Farm Safety Jeopardy” game, complete with buzzers. The kids love them. Depending on the class size it is split into 4 teams and we play “Farm Safety Jeopardy”. Each team sends up one player in turn. A category and a point value are chosen. The question is asked and the team that buzzes in first get the opportunity to answer. If they are correct, their team gets the points. If they are wrong the remaining players are allowed to buzz in again. Although one team is declared the winner the other teams may earn the same prize by telling one farm safety rule they have learn today. Everyone becomes a winner.

Lesson 4: “Down on the Farm – the Board Game”

We emphasize the importance of accident prevention with this age group. Dangers on the farm are discussed and the students are taught how to identify dangers. Respecting farm machinery and using tools for the purpose they were meant for are stressed. Examples of farm accidents are given and ways they could have been prevented are discussed. To reinforce the concepts we divide into four groups to play Down on the Farm – the Board Game. When the students are on the Down on the Farm square they must buzz in when they know the Farm Smart thing to do. Although one team is declared the winner the other teams may earn the same prize by telling one farm safety rule they have learn today. Everyone becomes a winner.

Lesson 5: “The A-moo-zing Race”

This program begins with a quick review of farm safety issues, then a more in-depth discussion of large animal safety. If possible, the video, Farmers care for their animals, is shown. To emphasize the rules learned The A-moo-zing Race, a game based on the TV show is played. The host reads questions where correct answers are rewarded with travel. The first team to make it across Canada is the winner. Roadblocks, detours, yields and fast-forward keep the game interesting. Afterward NAGCAT chore lists are discussed. Each student receives a Farm Safety Activity booklet.