Lesson #7 (pages 38 – 41) is also a common place and time that most children will eventually find themselves.  Playgrounds are locations that parents and preschools will visit with children, so it is best that the children learn where the dangers are located as early as possible.  Lesson #7 stands out for me because of an accident a friend of mine had when he was swinging his daughter at a playground many years ago.  Tragically his daughter fell out of the swing and sustained a fatal injury.  This incident stuck with me and as I was preparing the pictures and lessons for this book, I reflected back on that awful day and did some research into the frequency and type of incidents that occur at playgrounds.  Needless to say, it was shocking to find out how many children are severely injured, killed, abducted or lost at playgrounds every year. Lesson #7 incorporates all of these issues, and lays them out in the picture in a non-threatening manner for the children. 

Remember, Awareness is the key to safety and communication is how you convey that awareness to your children!

Primary lessons in this picture:  Information and Understanding

• Prepare your child for the dangers of playing in and around a playground with parents/guardians or when they are away and under the care of daycare. (pages 38-41)

  • Children should learn to identify the 6 areas of danger in the large picture (pages 38 & 39).

    • Watch out for broken glass and sharp objects (Rico, Page 40).

    • Checking the temperature of the playground equipment (Jesse, page 41).

    • Maintaining a good grip when swinging and don’t swinging too high (Bonnie Sue, page 40).

    • Don’t go on equipment that is too big or too high without an adult present (Meow Meow, page 41).

    • Be aware of strangers and people that are not a part of your group (mystery person, page 41).

    • Roads and parking lots close to the playground (Pages 38-39).

Plans of Action and Reaction:  Child and parent/guardian working together:

• Develop mitigation strategies and plans of action that both children and adults can learn and follow as standard operating procedures.

  • Issue: Watch out for broken glass and sharp objects (Rico, Page 40).

    • Action:

      • Check sand, gravel and grass around the playground for sharp objects as well as checking equipment for sharp edges.

  • Issue: Checking the temperature of the playground equipment (Jesse, page 41).

    • Action:

      • Teach the children to test the temperature of the equipment if it is made out of metal.

      • Adults should be aware of temperatures above 75 degrees, especially if there is no shade on the playground.

  • Issue: Maintaining a good grip when swinging and don’t swinging too high (Bonnie Sue, page 40).

    • Action:

      • Adult should not allow small children on swings that are not designed for them.

      • Never allow children to swing each other without adult supervision.

      • Children should maintain safe distance from swings so they don’t get hit by other children swinging.

  • Issue: Don’t go on equipment that is too big or too high without an adult present (Meow Meow, page 41).

    • Action:

      • Small children can take risks when it comes to climbing. Climbing on equipment is a technique that can be taught, so lead them through the process first to ensure they understand.

  • Issue: Be aware of strangers and people that are not a part of your group (mystery person, page 41).

    • Action:

      • Adults should understand the normal behavior of adults in and around a playground. Statistics show that it is not uncommon for registered sex offenders to rent apartments in the vicinity of playgrounds.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking only males are a threat for abduction.  Adult females have also been known to abduct children. 

  • Issue: Roads and parking lots close to the playground (Pages 38-39). 

    • Action:

      • Building on actions of Lessons #4 and #6, children should be developing clear ideas of keeping parents in sight and staying away from roads and parking lots that may be in the vicinity of the playground.

Supplemental Activities:

• After going through the book several times with the child, take them outside to a playground and help them identify the 6 areas of danger/safety.

Conclusion:

When you and your child have worked your way through this picture and then repeated it several times in a fun and communicative manner, you and your child will be fully prepared for the child’s eventual move towards the adventures of playground fun.