Rail Activity Lesson Plans Kindergarten
Transcript of Rail Activity Lesson Plans Kindergarten
Lesson Plans
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
Kindergarten - Grade 1
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1
Around TrainsStaying Safe
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Railway signs in our community tell us where to safely cross the tracks. Railwaypoliceofficershelpkeepstudentssafeinthecommunity.
LENGTH OF LESSON:30 minutes
TEACHING ACTIVITIES:Introduce rail safety to the students •Trainsarefuntowatch,butwalkingandplayingnearthemisdangerous.Kids
havebeenhurtandevenkilledwhentheyhavebeenhitbytrains.Don’tplayonthetracksorwalkonorbesidethem.Crossthetrackswithagrown-upandonlywhere there are crossing signs.
Railway Crossing Signs Game •Askthestudentsiftheyhaveseenanyhighway-railwaycrossingsignsintheir
neighbourhood. •Wherearethey?Dotheylookdifferentoraretheythesame? •Reviewthisinformationwiththestudents,showingthemtheattachedpicturesof
eachsign.Railwaycrossingshavedifferentkindsofsignsandsignals.
The X-shaped sign is called a crossbuck.
Some crossings also have a bell and flashing red lights to warn people that a train is coming.
Other crossings also have a gate. The gate comes down to warn people about driving or walking on the track.
Another sign at the crossing is a rectangle with a number and a picture of a track. This one tells you how many sets of tracks there are at the crossing.
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1Social Science Local Community/Community Helpers
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
•Reviewthesesafetymessageswiththestudents
•Showpicturesofthesignsagainandseeifthestudentscanrememberthenamesofthe signs
•Youmayalsomakecopiesofthesignsandnamesandhavethestudentsplayagame withasmallgrouporindividually.
•Remindstudentsthatwhentheycrossattherailwaycrossingtheyshouldlookleft,lookright,andlookleftagain.Justthesameasiftheywerecrossingastreet.
•Invitethelocalrailwaypoliceofficertocometoyourclass.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATIONHavestudentsroleplaythesafetymessagesinsmallgroups.Assignrolesorhavestudentscomeupwithactionsthatmimicwhathappensatcrossings(e.g.onestudentcouldbethebell,otherscouldbethetrain,whileanotheruseshis/herarmstoshowthegatesthatcomedown).
If you see a flashing light or hear a bell, wait! You do not have time to get across safely.
If you are on the tracks and the bell rings and the lights flash, keep walking.
If a train is going by, stand at least 5 metres back (that’s about 10 giant steps) from the tracks when a train is passing.
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1Social Science Local Community/Community Helpers
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3
Around TrainsStaying Safe
FOLLOW–UP ACTIVITY
LINK TO HOME:DistributetheSafeCrossingWeeklettertoparents/guardiansandtheObie’s Activity bookletparenttipsheettothestudents.
DistributeObie’s Activity Booktothestudentsandhavethemcompletetheactivitieswiththeirparentsoroldersiblings.
Encouragethestudentstotalktotheirparents/guardiansabouthowtobesafe atrailwaycrossingsandaroundtracks.Whatsafetyrulewillyouremembertotell?
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1Social Science Local Community/Community Helpers
1)Askthestudentstowatchforthehighway-railwaycrossingsignsintheirneighbourhood.
2)Overthenextfewdays,askthestudentswhohaveseensignsandwheretheyare.Ifyouhaveacommunity map or are making a community map, mark on the map where all the signs are.
3)Linkrailandpedestriansafety.Whenteachingyourlessonsonpedestriansafety,remindthestudentsthatthesafety rules for crossing the street are the same as at highway–railway crossings.
4)ProvidestudentswithObieandMax colouring pages.
5)Gotowww.cn.ca/obie.Readthestoriesandhavethestudentscolourtheincludedpicture.
6)Fillintheclass’orschool’snameontheSafeCrossingWeekcertificateandhang it on the wall.
Linktodailyphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationcurriculum: Follow the Engineer!Object: Followtheengineer
aroundthegym.Equipment: CDplayerandmusic (e.g.Locomotion),whistleHow to Play:-Divideclassintogroupsoffour.-Eachgroupofstudentsformsatrainandmovesabouttheplayingarea(orgymnasium)tothemusic.-Theengine,personinfront,leads
the others through a basic movement pattern(e.g.hopping,jumping,skipping,galloping,running,sidestep).Theteachermayalsocalloutordemonstratethemovementpatternforthe engines to use.-Onthewhistle,theenginebecomestheendofthetrainandthenextpersoninlinebecomestheengineandbeginsanew movement pattern for their train.
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
SAFETY RULES• Always cross at a railway crossing.
Most crossings have a sign, lights,
bells, and/or gates.
• Just like crossing the street –
stop and look both ways before
crossing train tracks. Listen for
the train coming and for warning
bells. If there are lights, watch for
them to flash.
• If a train is going by, stand at least
5 metres or 16 feet (that’s about 10
giant steps) back from the tracks.
• Never try to cross the tracks
if a train is coming. It is too
dangerous.
• If a train goes by, look both ways
again before crossing. Make sure
another train is not coming. Many
crossings have more than one track,
which means there could be more
than one train at the same time.
• Always walk your bike across the
tracks to make sure your tires do
not get caught.
• Never play on or near train tracks.
It is dangerous and illegal.
Injuries are the number one cause of death and disability
among children and youth in Canada.
Safety at Railway Crossings
This rail safety resource will help
parents and caregivers teach their
children how to be safe around trains,
tracks and at railway crossings.
www.parachutecanada.org
THE SITUATIONEach year, on average, close to 100
people are killed and about 75
seriously injured in collisions with
trains. The collisions are either
between trains and motor vehicles
or trains and people.
According to statistics, young
men, aged 18-24 years old, are
most likely to be injured or killed
either in a crossing collision or a
trespassing incident.
WHYAs with other types of injuries,
the reasons for the collisions vary.
Anecdotal information tells part of
the story for children and youth.
Sometimes they wait for one train
to pass and are hit by another
train coming from either direction.
Sometimes they climb over a
stationary train into the path of
an oncoming train or fall as they
are climbing on it and it begins to
move. Sometimes they just simply
are unaware that a train is coming
as they walk on or beside the
tracks. These causes tell us that
these incidents are preventable.
Just as you teach your children
how to navigate through traffic,
children must be taught the rules
for staying safe around trains and
at railway crossings.
Each year, on average, close to
100 people are killed and
about 75 seriously injured
in collisions with trains.
Research tells us that up to
90 per cent of injuries are
predictable, therefore,
most railway injuries and
deaths can be prevented.
“Safety at Railway Crossings – A Parent Tip Sheet” for children to take home
“Obie’s Activity Book” for school children
RESOURCES:
www.parachutecanada.org – Rail safety education.
www.cn.ca/obie – Discover lots of stories, games, puzzles and fun things for kids to do on Obie’s Website. CN’s All Aboard for Safety train, Obie, and his engineer, Max, teach kids how to stay safe around railroad cross-ings and tracks in a fun and entertaining way. Kids may also join Obie’s Club and print their own personalized certificate. Obie is based on an actual two-metre high CN locomotive, called Little Obie, that has been pro-moting rail safety at schools and community events and giving rides to thousands of children across Canada and the United States for more than ten years.
www.cn.ca – CN is one of the largest freight railroads in North America. For more than 25 years, through its program All Aboard for Safety, CN Police officers speak annually to more than 300,000 children and adults about the importance of safety at railway crossings and the danger of walking and playing on or near railway tracks.
www.operationlifesaver.ca – Rail safety education for educators, students, parents, and drivers.
If you would like to invite a CN Police officer to come to your classroom, please contact:
British Columbia – [email protected] Alberta – [email protected] Saskatchewan – [email protected] Manitoba – [email protected] Ontario – [email protected] Quebec – [email protected] New Brunswick – [email protected] Nova Scotia – [email protected]
KINDERGARTEN – GRADE 1Social Science Local Community/Community Helpers
www.parachutecanada.org
5
Around TrainsStaying SafeRAILWAY SIGNS
CROS
SBUC
K
BELL
NUMB
ER OF
SETS
OF TR
ACKS
GATE
Obi
e an
d hi
s eng
inee
r, M
ax h
ave
fun
stor
ies
and
gam
es fo
r you
on
thei
r web
site
!www.cn.ca/obie
To le
arn
mor
e ab
out s
afet
y at
ra
ilway
cros
sing
s, vi
sit
www.parachutecanada.org
Max re
minds
you: Lo
ok bo
th wa
ys be
fore c
rossin
g trac
ks.
Obi
e an
d hi
s eng
inee
r, M
ax h
ave
fun
stor
ies
and
gam
es fo
r you
on
thei
r web
site
!www.cn.ca/obie
To le
arn
mor
e ab
out s
afet
y at
ra
ilway
cros
sing
s, vi
sit
www.parachutecanada.org
Obie r
emind
s you:
Look
both
ways
befor
e cros
sing t
racks.
Obi
e an
d hi
s eng
inee
r, M
ax h
ave
fun
stor
ies
and
gam
es fo
r you
on
thei
r web
site
!www.cn.ca/obie
To le
arn
mor
e ab
out s
afet
y at
ra
ilway
cros
sing
s, vi
sit
www.parachutecanada.org
Obie r
emind
s you:
Walki
ng or
play
ing on
trac
ks is
dang
erous
.
Grade 2
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Studentswill:
•Readtothemselvesorbereadonestoryonrailsafety. •Respondtoinformationthatiscommunicatedinthestorybysharingprior
knowledge,predictingfutureevents,engagingindiscussion,andcreatingrepresentations.
LENGTH OF LESSON:30 minutes
TEACHING ACTIVITIES: • Inadvanceoftheclass,reviewObie’sSafe Crossing Story: -Gotowww.cn.ca/obie -ClickonObie’s Stories -ReviewSafe Crossing Story -Downloadthestoryoruseacomputerscreentoviewpagesofthebook
SAFE CROSSING STORY:IfreadingthestoryfromObie’swebsite,gotowww.cn.ca/obieandclickonObie’s Stories. Beforeyoureadthestorytotheclass,choosethesoundoffbutton.Asyoureadthestory,herearequestionsthatmaybeusedtoencouragepriorknowledge,predictfutureevents,engageindiscussionorcreaterepresentations.
1. What safety rule did Andrew not obey? (Prior knowledge, engage in discussion) 2. Do you know how long 20 seconds is? (Predicting, create representations)
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:Havestudentsdrawapictureand/orwriteajournalentryofhowtheywouldfeelinOfficerMike’s,Carla’s,Andrew’s,orObie’sposition.Whatwouldtheydodifferently?Whatnewinformationdidtheylearn?
Kindergarten – Grade 2English LanguageStrategies for Learning to Read and View
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES:
1)ThereareotherstoriesonObie’swebsite. Belowarequestionstoaskthestudentsasyoureadthestoriestoencouragepriorknowledge,predictfutureevents,engageindiscussionorcreaterepresentations.
Obie’s Story:Questionstoaskasyoureadthestory:1.WhydoyouthinkObieissad?(Predicting)2.WhatdoyouthinkObie’sspecialjobwillbe?(Predicting)
3.WhatwasObie’sjob?(Engageindiscussion)4.HowdoesthatjobmakeObiehappy? (Engageindiscussion)
A Magical Day:Questionstoaskasyoureadthestory:1.Wheredoyousafelycrosstraintracks? (Priorknowledge)
2. Who knows any safety rules for crossing traintracks?(Priorknowledge)
3.Whatsafetyrulesdidwelearnfrom thestory?(Engageindiscussion)
4.UseObie’sActivityBooktodraw a picture of a railway crossing sign. (Creativerepresentations)
2)OnObie’swebsite,havethestudentsjoinObie’sClubandprintoutthecertificate.(N.B.Printthecertificateonlandscape).TobecomeamemberofObie’sClub,studentsmustanswersixsafetyquestions.
3)OnObie’swebsite,gotoObie’sClub,clickonObie’sSafetyTipsandprintouttocolour.
4)OnObie’swebsite,gotoFunandGames (PictureGames)tocolourObiepictures.
5)OnObie’swebsite,gotoFunandGames(Extras–Song)tosingalongwithObie’sSong.Thesonglyricsareincludedattheendofthelesson.
6)ProvidestudentswithObieandMaxcolouringpages.Havetheolderstudentswrite their favourite safety rule on the page, usingObie’sActivityBookasaresource.
7)Fillintheclass’orschool’snameintheSafeCrossingWeekcertificateandhangitonthewall.
8)InviteaCNPoliceofficerintotheclassroom to talk about rail safety with the class.
9)Linkrailandpedestriansafety.Whenteachingyourlessonsonpedestriansafety,remindthestudentsthatthesafetyrulesfor crossing the street are the same as at highway–railway crossings.
10)Linktodailyphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationcurriculum:TrainShuffle
Object: To be the fastest team to complete the relay
Equipment: 5poolnoodles
How to Play:-Divideclassintogroupsof5or6.-Eachgrouphasonepoolnoodle.-Thefirstperson,theengineer,putsthepoolnoodlebetweentheirkneesandshufflestotheotherendoftheplayingarea(orgymnasium)andback.-Thenextpersoninline,thecar,joinsinbehindtheengineerandbothcarsshuffletotheotherendandback.-Theycontinueuntilthelastperson,theend
of the train, makes the trip.
Kindergarten – Grade 2English LanguageStrategies for Learning to Read and View
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LINK TO HOME:DistributetheSafeCrossingWeeklettertoparents/guardiansandthe Obie’s Activity bookletparenttipsheettothestudents.
DistributeObie’s Activity Booktothestudentsandhavethemcompletetheactivitieswiththeirparentsoroldersiblings.
Encouragethestudentstotalktotheirparents/guardiansabouthowtobesafeatrailwaycrossingsandaroundtracks.Whatsafetyrulewillyouremembertotell?
RESOURCES:www.parachutecanada.org –Railsafetyeducation.www.cn.ca/obie –Discoverlotsofstories,games,puzzlesandfun
thingsforkidstodoonObie’sWebsite.CN’sAll Aboard for Safetytrain,Obie,andhisengineer,Max,teachkidshowtostaysafearoundrailroadcrossingsandtracksinafunandentertainingway.KidsmayalsojoinObie’sClubandprinttheirownpersonalizedcertificate.Obieisbasedonanactualtwo-metrehighCNlocomotive,calledLittleObie,thathasbeenpromotingrailsafetyatschoolsandcommunityeventsandgivingridestothousandsofchildrenacrossCanadaandtheUnitedStatesformore than ten years.
www.cn.ca –CNisoneofthelargestfreightrailroadsinNorthAmerica.Formorethan25years,throughitsprogram All Aboard for Safety,CNPoliceofficersspeakannuallytomorethan300,000childrenandadultsabouttheimportanceofsafetyatrailwaycrossingsandthedangerofwalkingandplayingonor near railway tracks.
www.operationlifesaver.ca –Railsafetyeducationforeducators,students,parents,anddrivers.
Kindergarten – Grade 2English LanguageStrategies for Learning to Read and View
www.parachutecanada.org
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
IfyouwouldliketoinviteaCNPoliceofficer tocometoyourclassroom,pleasecontact:
British Columbia – [email protected] Alberta – [email protected] Saskatchewan – [email protected] Manitoba – [email protected] Ontario – [email protected] Quebec – [email protected] New Brunswick – [email protected] Nova Scotia – [email protected]
SAFETY RULES• Always cross at a railway crossing.
Most crossings have a sign, lights,
bells, and/or gates.
• Just like crossing the street –
stop and look both ways before
crossing train tracks. Listen for
the train coming and for warning
bells. If there are lights, watch for
them to flash.
• If a train is going by, stand at least
5 metres or 16 feet (that’s about 10
giant steps) back from the tracks.
• Never try to cross the tracks
if a train is coming. It is too
dangerous.
• If a train goes by, look both ways
again before crossing. Make sure
another train is not coming. Many
crossings have more than one track,
which means there could be more
than one train at the same time.
• Always walk your bike across the
tracks to make sure your tires do
not get caught.
• Never play on or near train tracks.
It is dangerous and illegal.
Injuries are the number one cause of death and disability
among children and youth in Canada.
Safety at Railway Crossings
This rail safety resource will help
parents and caregivers teach their
children how to be safe around trains,
tracks and at railway crossings.
www.parachutecanada.org
THE SITUATIONEach year, on average, close to 100
people are killed and about 75
seriously injured in collisions with
trains. The collisions are either
between trains and motor vehicles
or trains and people.
According to statistics, young
men, aged 18-24 years old, are
most likely to be injured or killed
either in a crossing collision or a
trespassing incident.
WHYAs with other types of injuries,
the reasons for the collisions vary.
Anecdotal information tells part of
the story for children and youth.
Sometimes they wait for one train
to pass and are hit by another
train coming from either direction.
Sometimes they climb over a
stationary train into the path of
an oncoming train or fall as they
are climbing on it and it begins to
move. Sometimes they just simply
are unaware that a train is coming
as they walk on or beside the
tracks. These causes tell us that
these incidents are preventable.
Just as you teach your children
how to navigate through traffic,
children must be taught the rules
for staying safe around trains and
at railway crossings.
Each year, on average, close to
100 people are killed and
about 75 seriously injured
in collisions with trains.
Research tells us that up to
90 per cent of injuries are
predictable, therefore,
most railway injuries and
deaths can be prevented.
“Safety at Railway Crossings – A Parent Tip Sheet” for children to take home
“Obie’s Activity Book” for school children
Kindergarten – Grade 2English LanguageStrategies for Learning to Read and View
www.parachutecanada.org
13
Around TrainsStaying Safe
Obie’smynameandRailsafety’smygame.LearnafewrulesandYou can say the same.
WatchforsignsandsignalsAtrailroadcrossings.Take care near train tracksEveryday.
CHORUS:Ding,ding,dong,Wooo-wooo.ListentothesignsandtrainsThey’retalkingtoyou.
Ding,ding,dong,Wooo-wooo.ListentothesignsandtrainsThey’retalkingtoyou.
The lights are flashing,Thegateisdown.That means a train Is going through town.
Trains go fast,So always look both ways.Leftandright,Remember, safety pays!
CHORUS:Ding,ding,dong,Wooo-wooo.ListentothesignsandtrainsThey’retalkingtoyou.
Ding,ding,dong,Wooo-wooo.ListentothesignsandtrainsThey’retalkingtoyou.
Trains are bigAndtrainsarestrong.Buttheycan’tstopquicklyWhenthey’respeedingalong.
AndplayingontracksIsjustnotcool.AndwalkingontracksBreaks all of the rules.
CHORUS:Ding,ding,dong,Wooo-wooo.ListentothesignsandtrainsThey’retalkingtoyou.
Ding,ding,dong,Wooo-wooo.ListentothesignsandtrainsThey’retalkingtoyou.
DING, DING, DONG, WOOO-WOOO OBIE’S SONG
Kindergarten – Grade 2English LanguageStrategies for Learning to Read and View
Grade 3
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Studentswill:
•Learnthattrainsmovewithgreatspeedandforce. •Learnthatbecauseofthetrain’ssizeandhowfastittravels,itcannotstopquickly
even though it looks like it is moving slowly.
LENGTH OF LESSON:30 minutes
TEACHING ACTIVITIES:Introduce rail safety to the students• Trainsarefuntowatch,butwalkingandplayingnearthemisdangerous.
Trainsarebigandlookliketheyaremovingslowerthantheyreallyare. Trains cannot stop quickly.
Learning about trains• Duringthestudents’visitto
the library, encourage them to choose books about trains.
• Askthestudentstoeachreadfor15 minutes about trains.
• Askthestudentswhatfactstheyreadabouttrains.
• Makealistofallthefactsontheblackboard.• Askthestudents:
Howlongdoyouthinkatraintravellingat100km/hrtakestostop? -Answer:morethan1kilometre!Onekilometreis10footballfieldsorhowfaryou
can walk in 15 minutes.• Discusshowfar1kilometreis.Howmanylengthsoftheschool?
How many lengths of the hallway?• Tellthemthatchildrenaresometimesinjuredbytrains.Peopledon’texpectthetrain
to come that quickly or they think they can cross the tracks before the train comes.
How do they travel?How fast do they travel?
What makes the engine work? How many cars do they pull?
What do trains carry?
Grades 2 – 3Science and TechnologyForces and Movement
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
Remindthestudentsofthefollowingsafetytips:
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:Havestudentsillustrate,writeormeasurehowfarakilometreisinrelationtotheirschool.
Forexample,theycoulddesignaonekilometreroutehomefromschool,orindicatehowmanytimesaroundtheirplaygroundonekilometrewouldlooklike.
Never play on the tracks or walk on or beside them.
A train can come from either direction, on any track, and at any time. Trains do not always run on a schedule.
Do not play on railway bridges or explore train tunnels. Railway bridges and tunnels do not have room for you to stay safe when a train goes by.
Trains only run on tracks. The engineer cannot swerve to avoid a crash like a car driver can.
Trains that are standing still look quiet – but they can move at any time. Never play around or climb on train cars.
Never climb on a train car. The train can move suddenly and you could fall underneath the wheels.
Headphones block the sound of a train whistle. Never wear them when you are near railway tracks.
Remind students that when they cross at the railway crossing they should look left, look right, and look left again. Just the same as if they were crossing a street.
Grades 2 – 3Science and TechnologyForces and Movement
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16
Around TrainsStaying Safe
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY:
LINK TO HOME:DistributetheSafeCrossingWeeklettertoparents/guardiansandtheObie Activity bookletparenttipsheettothestudents.
DistributeObie’s Activity Booktothestudentsandhavethemcompletetheactivitieswiththeirparentsoroldersiblings.
Encouragethestudentstotalktotheirparents/guardiansabouthowtobesafeatrailwaycrossingsandaroundtracks.Whatsafetyrulewillyouremembertotell?
1)ProvidestudentswithObieandMaxcolouringpages.Havetheolderstudentswrite their favourite safety rule on the page, usingObie’sActivityBookasaresource.
2)Fillintheclass’orschool’snameinthe SafeCrossingWeekcertificateandhang it on the wall.
3)InviteaCNPoliceofficerintotheclassroom to talk about rail safety with the class.
4)Linktodailyphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationcurriculum:TrainTag
Object: To get as many cars as possible on your train
Equipment: 4pinnies(preferablydifferentcolours),whistle
How to Play:-Designatefourtrainengineers(peoplewhoare“it”)andhandthemeachapinnie.-Oncethetrainwhistlehassounded,the
engineers try to gather cars for their train by tagging others.-Oncetagged,thecarsjointhetrainandholdontotheshouldersorhipsofthecarinfrontof them.-Onlytheengineercantagothers.-Allcarsmuststayconnectedatalltimes.-Continueuntileveryoneispartofanengineer’s
train.
Grades 2 – 3Science and TechnologyForces and Movement
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
RESOURCES:www.parachutecanada.org–Railsafetyeducation. www.cn.ca/obie–Discoverlotsofstories,games,puzzlesandfunthingsforkidstodoonObie’s Website.CN’sAll Aboard for Safetytrain,Obie,andhisengineer,Max,teachkidshowtostaysafearoundrailroadcrossingsandtracksinafunandentertainingway.KidsmayalsojoinObie’sClubandprinttheirownpersonalizedcertificate.Obieisbasedonanactualtwo-metrehighCNlocomotive,calledLittleObie,thathasbeenpromotingrailsafetyatschoolsandcommunityeventsandgivingridestothousandsofchildrenacrossCanadaandtheUnitedStatesformorethantenyears.www.cn.ca–CNisoneofthelargestfreightrailroadsinNorthAmerica.Formorethan25years, through its program All Aboard for Safety,CNPoliceofficersspeakannuallytomorethan300,000childrenandadultsabouttheimportanceofsafetyatrailwaycrossingsandthedangerofwalkingandplaying on or near railway tracks.www.operationlifesaver.ca–Railsafetyeducationforeducators,students,parents,anddrivers.
IfyouwouldliketoinviteaCNPoliceofficertocometoyourclassroom,pleasecontact:
British Columbia – [email protected] Alberta – [email protected] Saskatchewan – [email protected] Manitoba – [email protected] Ontario – [email protected] Quebec – [email protected] New Brunswick – [email protected] Nova Scotia – [email protected]
SAFETY RULES• Always cross at a railway crossing.
Most crossings have a sign, lights,
bells, and/or gates.
• Just like crossing the street –
stop and look both ways before
crossing train tracks. Listen for
the train coming and for warning
bells. If there are lights, watch for
them to flash.
• If a train is going by, stand at least
5 metres or 16 feet (that’s about 10
giant steps) back from the tracks.
• Never try to cross the tracks
if a train is coming. It is too
dangerous.
• If a train goes by, look both ways
again before crossing. Make sure
another train is not coming. Many
crossings have more than one track,
which means there could be more
than one train at the same time.
• Always walk your bike across the
tracks to make sure your tires do
not get caught.
• Never play on or near train tracks.
It is dangerous and illegal.
Injuries are the number one cause of death and disability
among children and youth in Canada.
Safety at Railway Crossings
This rail safety resource will help
parents and caregivers teach their
children how to be safe around trains,
tracks and at railway crossings.
www.parachutecanada.org
THE SITUATIONEach year, on average, close to 100
people are killed and about 75
seriously injured in collisions with
trains. The collisions are either
between trains and motor vehicles
or trains and people.
According to statistics, young
men, aged 18-24 years old, are
most likely to be injured or killed
either in a crossing collision or a
trespassing incident.
WHYAs with other types of injuries,
the reasons for the collisions vary.
Anecdotal information tells part of
the story for children and youth.
Sometimes they wait for one train
to pass and are hit by another
train coming from either direction.
Sometimes they climb over a
stationary train into the path of
an oncoming train or fall as they
are climbing on it and it begins to
move. Sometimes they just simply
are unaware that a train is coming
as they walk on or beside the
tracks. These causes tell us that
these incidents are preventable.
Just as you teach your children
how to navigate through traffic,
children must be taught the rules
for staying safe around trains and
at railway crossings.
Each year, on average, close to
100 people are killed and
about 75 seriously injured
in collisions with trains.
Research tells us that up to
90 per cent of injuries are
predictable, therefore,
most railway injuries and
deaths can be prevented.
“Safety at Railway Crossings – A Parent Tip Sheet” for children to take home
“Obie’s Activity Book” for school children
Grades 2 – 3Science and TechnologyForces and Movement
Grade 4
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Studentswill:
•Research,writeandillustrateanewspaperormagazineadvertisement. •Learnthreestrategiesforcreatingmessagesforanadvertisement.
LENGTH OF LESSON:30 to 45 minutes
TEACHING ACTIVITIES:Introduce rail safety to the students• Trainsarefuntowatch,butwalkingandplayingnearthemisdangerous.
Design an advertisement for rail safety•Askthestudentstomakealistofrailsafetyrules.•Askthestudentstodesignanadvertisementtowarnotherstudentsintheirschoolaboutthedangersoftrains.Theymaydrawpicturesorusephotosoftrains.(Seelistofresourcesforphotos.)
•Oncetheirworkiscompleted,askthestudentstopresenttheiradstotheotherstudents.Ifthereisanopportunity,displaytheadsinhalls,cafeteriaorcommunityareas at the school.
TRIVIA GAMEDividetheclassintotwogroups.Usingthestatementsprovided,giveonegroupthefirstsetofstatementsfoundonpage21underMediaLiteracy(Part1)andgivethesecondgroupthesecondsetofstatements(Part2).
Grade 3 – Grade 4Language – English Media Literacy
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:Todevelophigherlevelthinking,havethestudentsprovidereasonsforeachsafetytip.Forexample,“Don’tcountonhearingawhistletowarnyouthatatrainiscoming.”Why?Thetrainmaynotsoundawhistle,youmayhaveearphonesorearplugson,theremaybeanobjectthatinterfereswiththesoundofthewhistle,etc.
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY:
LINK TO HOME:DistributetheSafeCrossingWeeklettertoparents/guardiansandtheSafety at Railway Crossingsparenttipsheettothestudents.
Encouragethestudentstotalktotheirparents/guardiansabouthowtobesafeatrailwaycrossingsandaroundtracks.Whatsafetyrulewillyouremembertotell?
Grade 3 – Grade 4Language – English Media Literacy
1)DistributetheprovidedWordSearchtothestudentsandaskthemtocomplete.
2)Fillintheclass’orschool’snameintheSafeCrossingWeekcertificateandhangitonthewall.
3)Linktodailyphysicalactivityandphysicaleducationcurriculum:StationtoStation
Object: CompletethecircuitEquipment: Station numbers with activities
postedateachsitearoundtheplayingarea(orgymnasium)
How to Play:-Dividetheclassintogroupsof4-6.
-Eachgroupmakesatrain-holdingontoeitherhipsorshoulders.-Trainsvisiteachandeverystationinanyorderoftheengine’s(leader)choosing(e.g.notnecessarilyintheorderofsequentialnumbers).-Alltrainmembersperformstheactivitynotedatthatstation,andanewenginetakesthetraintoitsnextdestination.
Activity Ideas:jumpingjacks,squatjumps,kneeraises,lunges,scissorjumps,burpees,situps,pushups,onefoothops,twofootjumps,crossoverjumps,bicepcurls,tricepextensions,sidekicks,armcircles,andtoetouches.
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
RESOURCES:www.parachutecanada.org–Railsafetyeducation.
www.cn.ca/news–Photosoftrainsinthe MediaImageCentre
www.cn.ca/history – Stories about the history of CNandrailroadinginCanadaandtheUnitedStates
www.cn.ca–CNisoneofthelargestfreightrailroadsinNorthAmerica.Formorethan25years,through its program All Aboard for Safety,CNPoliceofficersspeaktomorethan300,000childrenandadultsabouttheimportanceofsafetyatrailwaycrossingsandthedangerofwalkingandplayingon or near railway tracks.
www.operationlifesaver.ca–Railsafetyeducationforeducators,students,parents,anddrivers.
IfyouwouldliketoinviteaCNPoliceofficertocometoyourclassroom,pleasecontact:
British Columbia – [email protected] Alberta – [email protected] Saskatchewan – [email protected] Manitoba – [email protected] Ontario – [email protected] Quebec – [email protected] New Brunswick – [email protected] Nova Scotia – [email protected]
SAFETY RULES• Always cross at a railway crossing.
Most crossings have a sign, lights,
bells, and/or gates.
• Just like crossing the street –
stop and look both ways before
crossing train tracks. Listen for
the train coming and for warning
bells. If there are lights, watch for
them to flash.
• If a train is going by, stand at least
5 metres or 16 feet (that’s about 10
giant steps) back from the tracks.
• Never try to cross the tracks
if a train is coming. It is too
dangerous.
• If a train goes by, look both ways
again before crossing. Make sure
another train is not coming. Many
crossings have more than one track,
which means there could be more
than one train at the same time.
• Always walk your bike across the
tracks to make sure your tires do
not get caught.
• Never play on or near train tracks.
It is dangerous and illegal.
Injuries are the number one cause of death and disability
among children and youth in Canada.
Safety at Railway Crossings
This rail safety resource will help
parents and caregivers teach their
children how to be safe around trains,
tracks and at railway crossings.
www.parachutecanada.org
THE SITUATIONEach year, on average, close to 100
people are killed and about 75
seriously injured in collisions with
trains. The collisions are either
between trains and motor vehicles
or trains and people.
According to statistics, young
men, aged 18-24 years old, are
most likely to be injured or killed
either in a crossing collision or a
trespassing incident.
WHYAs with other types of injuries,
the reasons for the collisions vary.
Anecdotal information tells part of
the story for children and youth.
Sometimes they wait for one train
to pass and are hit by another
train coming from either direction.
Sometimes they climb over a
stationary train into the path of
an oncoming train or fall as they
are climbing on it and it begins to
move. Sometimes they just simply
are unaware that a train is coming
as they walk on or beside the
tracks. These causes tell us that
these incidents are preventable.
Just as you teach your children
how to navigate through traffic,
children must be taught the rules
for staying safe around trains and
at railway crossings.
Each year, on average, close to
100 people are killed and
about 75 seriously injured
in collisions with trains.
Research tells us that up to
90 per cent of injuries are
predictable, therefore,
most railway injuries and
deaths can be prevented.
“Safety at Railway Crossings – A Parent Tip Sheet” for children to take home
Grade 3 – Grade 4Language – English Media Literacy
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
STAYING SAFE AROUND TRAINS: STATEMENTS (PART 1)Whydokidsgetinjuredbytrains?• Trainstakealongtimetostop.Atrainmovingat100km/hneedsmorethan1
kilometretostop!Canyoupicturehowfarthatis?Ifittakesyou15minutestowalktoschool,thatdistanceisabout1kilometre.
• Atraincancomefromeitherdirection,onanytrack,andatanytime. Trainsdonotalwaysrunonaschedule.
• Trainsonlyrunontracks.Theengineercannotswervetoavoidacrashlikeacardrivercan.
• Railwaybridgesandtunnelsdonothaveroomforyoutostaysafewhenatraingoesby.Trainsthatarestandingstilllookquiet–buttheycanmoveatanytime.
• Headphonesblockthesoundofatrainanditswhistle.
STAYING SAFE AROUND TRAINS: STATEMENTS (PART 2)SAFETY TIPS• Alwayscrossatahighway-railwaycrossing.Publiccrossingshaveasignandsome
have gates.• Justlikecrossingthestreet–stopandlookbothwaysbeforecrossingtraintracks.
Listenforthewarningbellandwatchfortheflashinglights.• Sometimes,engineersblowthetrain’swhistletowarnpeople.Donotdependon
hearing a whistle to warn you that a train is coming.• Ifatrainisgoingby,standatleast5metresback(that’sabout10giantsteps)from
the tracks when a train is passing. • Nevertrytogetacrossthetracksifatrainiscoming,itistoodangerous.• Whenyoucrossthetracks,alwaysstepovertherails(themetalparts).Steppingon
therailscanmakeyouslipandfall.• Ifonetraingoesby,lookbothwaysagainbeforecrossing.Makesureanothertrainis
notcomingineitherdirection.Manycrossingshavemorethanonetrackfortrainstorideon.
• Alwayswalkyourbikeacrossthetrackstomakesureyourtiresdon’tgetcaught.• Takeoffyourheadphoneswhenyouarenearrailwaytracks.• Neverclimbonatraincar.Thetraincouldmovesuddenlyandyoucouldfall
underneaththewheels.
Grade 3 – Grade 4Language – English Media Literacy
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LOOK
CROSSING
SIGN
GATES
BELLS
TRACK
RAILS
WHISTLES
TRAIN
WORD SEARCH
Grade 6
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Studentswill:
•Beabletoidentify5waystheycanprotectthemselvesfromatraininjury.
LENGTH OF LESSON:30 minutes
TEACHING ACTIVITIES: Can You Beat the Train?• Theobjectiveofthisexerciseistoseeifyoucancrosstherailwaytracksbeforea
trainarrives.Therearetwopartstothisexercise:1) Determinehowlongittakestocrossthetracks.2) Determinehowlongfromthetimeyoucanseeatrainuntilitarriveswhereyouare
crossing.
Step 1: How long does it take to cross the tracks?Using masking tape, mark a start and a finish line, 6 metres apart.Put the students in pairs.Have one student run from the start to the finish line.Have the second student time how long it takes.Then ask the students to switch roles.Each student should know the amount of time it took them to run from start to finish. Tell the students that the distance between the lines is about how far it is across the train tracks.Ask a few students to tell how long it took them to cross. (Answers should be between 1–2 seconds)Now mention that on a real track the students would have to cross over two rails. So, ask everyone to add 5 seconds to their time.Then tell the students that tracks sit on small rocks, called ballast, that are often oily and slippery. So, tell them to add another 5 seconds to their time. Ask a few students to give their time.The students should have a total of 11—12 seconds.
Grades 4 – 6Physical EducationPersonal Safety
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
Step 2: How long does it take the train to come?Now say a train is coming down the track. It seems to be a very long way – say 400 metres – that is 4 football fields.Now in the 11 or 12 seconds it took you to run across the tracks, the train would have traveled 530 metres.
Ask the students:Whatwouldhavehappenedtoyou?
Staying Safe Around TrainsAskthestudentstobrainstormalistofsafetypracticesforstayingsafearoundtrains. Thelistshouldinclude:• Alwayscrossatahighway-railwaycrossing.Publiccrossingshaveasignandsome
crossings have gates.• Justlikecrossingthestreet–stopandlookbothwaysbeforecrossingtraintracks.
Listenforthewarningbellandwatchfortheflashinglights.• Sometimes,engineersalsoblowthetrain’swhistletowarnpeople.Donotdependon
hearing the whistle to warn you that a train is coming.• Ifatrainisgoingby,standatleast5metresback(that’sabout10giantsteps)fromthe
tracks when a train is passing.• Nevertrytogetacrossthetracksifatrainiscoming.Itistoodangerous!• Ifonetraingoesby,lookbothwaysagainbeforecrossing.Makesureanothertrainis
notcomingineitherdirection.Manycrossingshavemorethanonetrackfortrainstorideon.
• Whenyoucrossthetracks,alwaysstepovertherails(themetalparts).Steppingontherailscanmakeyouslipandfall.
• Alwayswalkyourbikeacrossthetrackstomakesureyourtiresdon’tgetcaught.• Neverwearheadphoneswhenyouarenearrailwaytracks.
Grades 4 – 6Physical EducationPersonal Safety
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:Placethefollowingwordsseparatelyonsmallpiecesofcardstock.Askstudentstovolunteertocomeupinfrontoftheclass,drawoutaword,andspeakfor30secondsaboutthattopicandhowitrelatestotrainsafety.Thestudentmustpresentfor30seconds.Reminder:studentsshouldvolunteerforthisactivity,andhaveasafeatmosphere to present in.
Word list: bell,signs(orhavepicturesofthe4signs),engineers,flashinglights,whistle,tracks,bike,pedestrian,driver,headphones,cars,speed,gate, 5metres,1kilometre,non-movingtrains.
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITY:
LINK TO HOME:DistributetheSafeCrossingWeeklettertoparents/guardiansandtheSafety at Railway Crossingsparenttipsheettothestudents.
Encouragethestudentstotalktotheirparents/guardiansabouthowtobesafeatrailwaycrossingsandaroundtracks.Whatsafetyrulewillyouremembertotell?
Grades 4 – 6Physical EducationPersonal Safety
1)Linkrailandpedestriansafety.Whenteachingyourlessonsonpedestriansafety,remindthestudentsthatthesafetyrulesfor crossing the street are the same as at highway–railway crossings.
2)Providethe“StayingSafeAroundTrains”safe practices on a worksheet, omitting importantwordsfromthestatements.Havestudentsfillinwordstoshowtheir comprehension of the statement. Listingomittedwordsatthebottomoftheworksheetcouldbehelpfulforsomestudents.
3)Havestudentsdecidewhichsafepracticelistedin“StayingSafeAroundTrains”wouldbemostimportantforthefollowing:apedestrian,adriverandacyclist.Askthem to write a reason why they believe thatstatementismostimportant.Partnerstudentsupandhavethemdebatewhoismostcorrectandwhy.
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
RESOURCES:www.parachutecanada.org–Railsafetyeducation.
www.cn.ca–CNisoneofthelargestfreightrailroadsinNorthAmerica.Formorethan25years, through its program All Aboard for Safety,CNPoliceofficersspeakannuallytomorethan300,000childrenandadultsabouttheimportanceofsafetyatrailwaycrossingsandthedangerofwalkingandplaying on or near railway tracks.
www.operationlifesaver.ca–Railsafetyeducationforeducators,students,parents,anddrivers.
IfyouwouldliketoinviteaCNPoliceofficertocometoyourclassroom,pleasecontact:
British Columbia – [email protected] Alberta – [email protected] Saskatchewan – [email protected] Manitoba – [email protected] Ontario – [email protected] Quebec – [email protected] New Brunswick – [email protected] Nova Scotia – [email protected]
SAFETY RULES• Always cross at a railway crossing.
Most crossings have a sign, lights,
bells, and/or gates.
• Just like crossing the street –
stop and look both ways before
crossing train tracks. Listen for
the train coming and for warning
bells. If there are lights, watch for
them to flash.
• If a train is going by, stand at least
5 metres or 16 feet (that’s about 10
giant steps) back from the tracks.
• Never try to cross the tracks
if a train is coming. It is too
dangerous.
• If a train goes by, look both ways
again before crossing. Make sure
another train is not coming. Many
crossings have more than one track,
which means there could be more
than one train at the same time.
• Always walk your bike across the
tracks to make sure your tires do
not get caught.
• Never play on or near train tracks.
It is dangerous and illegal.
Injuries are the number one cause of death and disability
among children and youth in Canada.
Safety at Railway Crossings
This rail safety resource will help
parents and caregivers teach their
children how to be safe around trains,
tracks and at railway crossings.
www.parachutecanada.org
THE SITUATIONEach year, on average, close to 100
people are killed and about 75
seriously injured in collisions with
trains. The collisions are either
between trains and motor vehicles
or trains and people.
According to statistics, young
men, aged 18-24 years old, are
most likely to be injured or killed
either in a crossing collision or a
trespassing incident.
WHYAs with other types of injuries,
the reasons for the collisions vary.
Anecdotal information tells part of
the story for children and youth.
Sometimes they wait for one train
to pass and are hit by another
train coming from either direction.
Sometimes they climb over a
stationary train into the path of
an oncoming train or fall as they
are climbing on it and it begins to
move. Sometimes they just simply
are unaware that a train is coming
as they walk on or beside the
tracks. These causes tell us that
these incidents are preventable.
Just as you teach your children
how to navigate through traffic,
children must be taught the rules
for staying safe around trains and
at railway crossings.
Each year, on average, close to
100 people are killed and
about 75 seriously injured
in collisions with trains.
Research tells us that up to
90 per cent of injuries are
predictable, therefore,
most railway injuries and
deaths can be prevented.
“Safety at Railway Crossings – A Parent Tip Sheet” for children to take home
Grades 4 – 6Physical EducationPersonal Safety
Grade 5
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Studentswill:
•Learnhowlawshavebeendevelopedtoprotectchildrenfrominjuriesonrailwaytracksandproperty.
LENGTH OF LESSON:45-60minutes
TEACHING ACTIVITIES:Ask the students: • What is a law? •Whatareexamplesoflaws? •Howarelawsmade? • What is trespassing on railways?
Trespassing is: •Walking,playingorrunningonorbesiderailwaytracks •Drivingabike,acar,anATV,asnowmobileoranyothervehicleonorbeside
railway tracks • Taking a shortcut across railway tracks or railway property •Enteringrailwayyardsatanytime
Discuss railway laws with the students. Lawsarecreatedtoprotectpeopleandpeople’sproperty.Railwaylawsprotectpeoplefrombeinginjuredandkilledbytrainsandprotectpropertythatbelongstotherailwaycompanies.AllrailwaytracksinCanadaareownedbyprivatecompanies,justlikeahouseoranapartmentisownedbysomeone.Youcannotgoonsomeoneelse’spropertywithouttheirpermission.Ifyoudo,itiscalledtrespassing.Railwaypolicemakesurethatthelawsarefollowed.Theyissuewarnings,tickets,andfinestoensurethatpeoplefollow the laws.
Grades 5Social StudiesCanada and World Connections: Aspects of Citizenship and Government in Canada
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
Today’sassignmentistolearnabouttrespassingonrailwaypropertyandalsoaboutthelawsthatprotectthepropertyoftherailwaycompaniesandprotectpeoplefrombeinginjuredandkilledbytrains.
Breakthestudentsintosmallgroups.EachgroupwillreceiveacopyofTheRailwayLawsandEnforcementFactSheet(foundonpage30)toreview.Askeachgrouptodothefollowingactivities: •Useaclassroomdictionaryandlookupthewordstrespass,lawandenforcement. •Writeoutallthedefinitions. •Havethestudentsanswer: -WhatisthetrespassinglawforrailwaysinCanada? -Howisitenforced? -Whyisthisanimportantlaw? • Have groups share their answers.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:Havestudentswriteajournalentryfromthepointofviewofafinedtrespasser,orcreateadailylogentryofarailwaypoliceofficer.Havethemincludewhattheircharacterwasthinking or feeling.
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES:
Grades 5Social StudiesCanada and World Connections: Aspects of Citizenship and Government in Canada
1)Invitealocalrailwaypoliceofficerintoyourclassroom to talk about how they enforce safetyaroundrailwaytracksandproperty.
2)Havestudentscreateapostertoshow“trespassing” on the railway tracks. Have studentspresenttheirposterstotheschoolandpresentrailsafetytips.
3)Havestudentsdivideasheetofpaperin halfandlistsreasonsforandagainstthe followingstatements:
-It’sokaytotrespassoverarailwaytrackifnotrainsarecoming,inordertogettoschool on time.-Farmerscancrossovertraintracksifthetracksgothroughtheirland/fields.-Trespassinglawsareanuisance.
Discusstheabovestatementsasaclassandhavestudentscircletheviewsontheirpagesthatbestdescribestheirpositiononeachstatement.
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LINK TO HOME:DistributetheSafeCrossingWeeklettertoparents/guardiansandtheSafety at Railway Crossings parent tip sheettothestudents.
Encouragethestudentstotalktotheirparents/guardiansabouthowtobesafeatrailwaycrossingsandaroundtracks. What safety rule will you remember to tell?
RESOURCES:www.parachutecanada.org–Railsafetyeducation.
www.cn.ca–CNisoneofthelargestfreightrailroadsinNorthAmerica.Formorethan25years,throughitsprogram All Aboard for Safety,CNPoliceofficersspeakannuallytomorethan300,000childrenandadultsabouttheimportanceofsafetyatrailwaycrossingsandthedangerofwalkingandplayingonornearrailwaytracks.
www.operationlifesaver.ca–Railsafetyeducationforeducators,students,parents,anddrivers.
IfyouwouldliketoinviteaCNPoliceofficertocome toyourclassroom,pleasecontact:
British Columbia – [email protected] Alberta – [email protected] Saskatchewan – [email protected] Manitoba – [email protected] Ontario – [email protected] Quebec – [email protected] New Brunswick – [email protected] Nova Scotia – [email protected]
SAFETY RULES• Always cross at a railway crossing.
Most crossings have a sign, lights,
bells, and/or gates.
• Just like crossing the street –
stop and look both ways before
crossing train tracks. Listen for
the train coming and for warning
bells. If there are lights, watch for
them to flash.
• If a train is going by, stand at least
5 metres or 16 feet (that’s about 10
giant steps) back from the tracks.
• Never try to cross the tracks
if a train is coming. It is too
dangerous.
• If a train goes by, look both ways
again before crossing. Make sure
another train is not coming. Many
crossings have more than one track,
which means there could be more
than one train at the same time.
• Always walk your bike across the
tracks to make sure your tires do
not get caught.
• Never play on or near train tracks.
It is dangerous and illegal.
Injuries are the number one cause of death and disability
among children and youth in Canada.
Safety at Railway Crossings
This rail safety resource will help
parents and caregivers teach their
children how to be safe around trains,
tracks and at railway crossings.
www.parachutecanada.org
THE SITUATIONEach year, on average, close to 100
people are killed and about 75
seriously injured in collisions with
trains. The collisions are either
between trains and motor vehicles
or trains and people.
According to statistics, young
men, aged 18-24 years old, are
most likely to be injured or killed
either in a crossing collision or a
trespassing incident.
WHYAs with other types of injuries,
the reasons for the collisions vary.
Anecdotal information tells part of
the story for children and youth.
Sometimes they wait for one train
to pass and are hit by another
train coming from either direction.
Sometimes they climb over a
stationary train into the path of
an oncoming train or fall as they
are climbing on it and it begins to
move. Sometimes they just simply
are unaware that a train is coming
as they walk on or beside the
tracks. These causes tell us that
these incidents are preventable.
Just as you teach your children
how to navigate through traffic,
children must be taught the rules
for staying safe around trains and
at railway crossings.
Each year, on average, close to
100 people are killed and
about 75 seriously injured
in collisions with trains.
Research tells us that up to
90 per cent of injuries are
predictable, therefore,
most railway injuries and
deaths can be prevented.
“Safety at Railway Crossings – A Parent Tip Sheet” for children to take home
Grades 5Social StudiesCanada and World Connections: Aspects of Citizenship and Government in Canada
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30
Around TrainsStaying SafeRAILWAY LAWS AND ENFORCEMENTFACT SHEET
Railwaytracksareprivateproperty.Itisbothillegalanddangeroustobeonornearanyrailwaytracks,exceptatadesignatedcrossing.Children,students,andadultssometimes use the train tracks as a short cut to go to school or to the store or use it as a hangoutwithfriends.Thetruthisyouarenotallowedtodoanyofthesethings—youare trespassing!Trespassingmeansgoingontosomeoneelse’sprivatepropertywithouttheirpermission—anditisagainstthelaw!
So,iftraintracksareprivatepropertyandyouarenotallowedtobeonornearthetracks,howshouldyoucrossthetrackstogettotheotherside?Highway-railwaycrossings(wheretheroadmeetstherail)aretheonlylocationswhereanyoneisallowedto cross the tracks. At these locations, there are warningdevices,suchassigns,flashingredlights,aringingbell,andbarrierarmsthatgoupanddown.Somelevelcrossingsmayonlyhavestopsignsorevenjustcross buck signs. There are pavement markings, suchasabigwhite“X”andtwothickwhitelinesthatarepaintedontheroadwayalongwith yellow advanced warning signsthatindicatetherearetraintracksupaheadandtoproceedwithcaution.
Whenthesewarningdevicesactivate,itmeansthatatrainisapproachingandthatyoumuststop.Whetheryouarewalking,ridingyourbikeordrivinginmomordad’scar,youmuststop,waitforthetraintogobyand,moreimportantly,waitforthewarningdevicestocompletelyshutoffbeforeyouproceedacrossthetraintracks.Beforecrossing,you must look both ways to make sure another train is not coming from the same or the otherdirection.
Crossingtraintracksatanylocation,otherthanatthedesignatedlevelcrossings,isdangerous.
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
TRESPASS TO PROPERTY ACT AND RAILWAY SAFETY ACT
The Trespass to Property ActandtheRailway Safety Actgiverailwaypoliceofficersandotherpolicingagenciestherighttochargeanyonewho:•Enterspremiseswhenentryisprohibited,•Engagesinprohibitedactivityonpremises;and/or•Failstoleavetherailway’spropertywhentoldtodosobyapoliceofficer.
The Railway Safety Actstates:“Nopersonshall,withoutlawfulexcuse,enteronlandonwhichalineworkissituated.”Line workmeansrailwaytracks,switchesand/orsignalsandbuildingsthatareonrailwayproperty.Amonetarycharge(fine)orasummonstoappearincourt(dependingontheseverityoftheincident)maybegiventothetrespasserasaresultofthepoliceofficer’sfindings.
Thepurposeofenforcingtheselawsistoensurethatchildren,studentsandadultsarefullyawareofthepotentialdangersassociatedwithtraintracks.Theselawshelpreduceinjuriesandtheneedlesslossoflifeaswellasensurethesafeoperationofalltrainsandmechanicaldevicesandtheworkinrailwayyards.
Trainscannotstopquickly.Itcantakemorethan10footballfieldsormorethan1kilometretocometoacompletestopwhentravelingat100km/h.
Locomotivesdonothavesteeringwheels.Anengineercannotswervethetrainoutofthewaytoavoidatrespasserorvehiclethatisonthetracks.
Remember:Atraincanapproachfromeitherdirectiononanytrackatanytime.
Crossingtraintracksanywhereotherthanatadesignatedlevelcrossingistrespassing. Itisnotonlyagainstthelaw,butextremelydangerous!
IS THE TIME YOU SAVE WORTH YOUR LIFE?
ANY TIME IS TRAIN TIME!
Grade 6
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Studentswill: •Analyzebehavioursthatleadtorailwayinjuries. •Analyzerailwaylegislationasitrelatestoprotectionfrominjuries.
LENGTH OF LESSON:45-60minutes
TEACHING ACTIVITIES:Reviewattachedinformationonrailwaylawsandenforcement.
Trespassingis: •Walking,playingorrunningonorbesiderailwaytracks. •Drivingabike,acar,anATV,asnowmobileoranyothervehicleonorbeside
railway tracks. • Taking a shortcut across railway tracks or railway property. •Enteringrailwayyardsatanytime.
Usetheinformationtoorganizeadebate:“Trespassersonrailwaytracksandpropertyshouldbechargedandreceivelargefines.”Assigntwodebatingteams.Onesidetodebateeachside.
ReviewTheRailwayLawsandEnforcementFactSheet(foundonpage30).Askthestudentstodofurtherresearchtoprepareforthedebate.
STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION:Afterthedebate,havestudentswriteajournalentrythattellswhatnewinformationtheylearned,anypersonalconnectionstheyhavetothetopic,andwhatpersonalpositiontheytookinthedebateandwhy.
Grades 6Health and Life Skills
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
FOLLOW-UP ACTIVITIES:
LINK TO HOME:DistributetheSafeCrossingWeeklettertoparents/guardiansandtheSafety at Railway Crossings parenttipsheettothestudents.
Encouragethestudentstotalktotheirparents/guardiansabouthowtobesafeatrailwaycrossingsandaroundtracks.Whatsafetyrulewillyouremembertotell?
1)Invitealocalrailwaypoliceofficerintoyourclassroom to talk about how they enforce safetyaroundrailwaytracksandproperty.
2)ProvidetheStayingSafeAroundTrains:Statements(Part2)SafetyTips(frompage21)onaworksheet.
3)Fillintheclass’orschool’snameintheSafe Crossing Weekcertificateandhangitonthewall.
4)Linktolessononpedestriansafety.Remindstudentsthatwhentheycrossattherailwaycrossingtheyshouldlookleft,lookright,andlookleftagain.Justthesameasiftheywere crossing a street. When one train passes, another train may come in the same oroppositedirection.
Grades 6Health and Life Skills
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
RESOURCES:www.parachutecanada.org–Railsafetyeducation.
www.cn.ca–CNisoneofthelargestfreightrailroadsinNorthAmerica.Formorethan25years, through its program All Aboard for Safety,CNPoliceofficersspeakannuallytomorethan300,000childrenandadultsabouttheimportanceofsafetyatrailwaycrossingsandthedangerofwalkingandplaying on or near railway tracks.
www.operationlifesaver.ca–Railsafetyeducationforeducators,students,parents,anddrivers.
IfyouwouldliketoinviteaCNPoliceofficer tocometoyourclassroom,pleasecontact:
British Columbia – [email protected] Alberta – [email protected] Saskatchewan – [email protected] Manitoba – [email protected] Ontario – [email protected] Quebec – [email protected] New Brunswick – [email protected] Nova Scotia – [email protected]
SAFETY RULES• Always cross at a railway crossing.
Most crossings have a sign, lights,
bells, and/or gates.
• Just like crossing the street –
stop and look both ways before
crossing train tracks. Listen for
the train coming and for warning
bells. If there are lights, watch for
them to flash.
• If a train is going by, stand at least
5 metres or 16 feet (that’s about 10
giant steps) back from the tracks.
• Never try to cross the tracks
if a train is coming. It is too
dangerous.
• If a train goes by, look both ways
again before crossing. Make sure
another train is not coming. Many
crossings have more than one track,
which means there could be more
than one train at the same time.
• Always walk your bike across the
tracks to make sure your tires do
not get caught.
• Never play on or near train tracks.
It is dangerous and illegal.
Injuries are the number one cause of death and disability
among children and youth in Canada.
Safety at Railway Crossings
This rail safety resource will help
parents and caregivers teach their
children how to be safe around trains,
tracks and at railway crossings.
www.parachutecanada.org
THE SITUATIONEach year, on average, close to 100
people are killed and about 75
seriously injured in collisions with
trains. The collisions are either
between trains and motor vehicles
or trains and people.
According to statistics, young
men, aged 18-24 years old, are
most likely to be injured or killed
either in a crossing collision or a
trespassing incident.
WHYAs with other types of injuries,
the reasons for the collisions vary.
Anecdotal information tells part of
the story for children and youth.
Sometimes they wait for one train
to pass and are hit by another
train coming from either direction.
Sometimes they climb over a
stationary train into the path of
an oncoming train or fall as they
are climbing on it and it begins to
move. Sometimes they just simply
are unaware that a train is coming
as they walk on or beside the
tracks. These causes tell us that
these incidents are preventable.
Just as you teach your children
how to navigate through traffic,
children must be taught the rules
for staying safe around trains and
at railway crossings.
Each year, on average, close to
100 people are killed and
about 75 seriously injured
in collisions with trains.
Research tells us that up to
90 per cent of injuries are
predictable, therefore,
most railway injuries and
deaths can be prevented.
“Safety at Railway Crossings – A Parent Tip Sheet” for children to take home
Grades 6Health and Life Skills
Additional Resources
www.parachutecanada.org
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Around TrainsStaying SafeRAILWAY LAWS AND ENFORCEMENTFACT SHEET
Railwaytracksareprivateproperty.Itisbothillegalanddangeroustobeonornearanyrailwaytracks.Children,students,andadultssometimesusethetraintracksasashortcuttogotoschoolortothestoreoruseitasahangoutwithfriends.Thetruthisyouarenotallowedtodoanyofthesethings–youaretrespassing! Trespassing means going ontosomeoneelse’sprivatepropertywithouttheirpermission–anditisagainstthelaw!
So,iftraintracksareprivatepropertyandyouarenotallowedtobeonornearthetracks,howshouldyoucrossthetrackstogettotheotherside?Highway-railwaylevelcrossings(wheretheroadmeetstherail)aretheonlylocationswhereanyoneisallowedto cross the tracks. At these locations, there are warning devices,suchassigns,flashingredlights,aringingbell,andbarrierarmsthatgoupanddown.Somelevelcrossingsmayonlyhavestopsignsorevenjustcross buck signs. There are pavement markings, suchasabigwhite“X”andtwothickwhitelinesthatarepaintedontheroadwayalongwith yellow advanced warning signsthatindicatetherearetraintracksupaheadandtoproceedwithcaution.
Whenthesewarningdevicesactivate,itmeansthatatrainisapproachingandthatyoumuststop.Whetheryouarewalking,ridingyourbikeordrivinginmomordad’scar,youmuststop,waitforthetraintogobyand,moreimportantly,waitforthewarningdevicestocompletelyshutoffbeforeyouproceedacrossthetraintracks.Beforecrossing,you must look both ways to make sure another train is not coming from the same or the otherdirection.
Crossingtraintracksatanylocation,otherthanatthedesignatedlevelcrossings,isdangerous.
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Around TrainsStaying Safe
TRESPASS TO PROPERTY ACT AND RAILWAY SAFETY ACT
The Trespass to Property ActandtheRailway Safety Actgiverailwaypoliceofficersandotherpolicingagenciestherighttochargeanyonewho:•Enterspremiseswhenentryisprohibited,•Engagesinprohibitedactivityonpremises;and/or•Failstoleavetherailway’spropertywhentoldtodosobyapoliceofficer.
The Railway Safety Actstates:“Nopersonshall,withoutlawfulexcuse,enteronlandonwhichalineworkissituated.”Line workmeansrailwaytracks,switchesand/orsignalsandbuildingsthatareonrailwayproperty.Amonetarycharge(fine)orasummonstoappearincourt(dependingontheseverityoftheincident)maybegiventothetrespasserasaresultofthepoliceofficersfindings.
Thepurposeofenforcingtheselawsistoensurethatchildren,studentsandadultsarefullyawareofthepotentialdangersassociatedwithtraintracks.Theselawshelpreduceinjuriesandtheneedlesslossoflifeaswellasensurethesafeoperationofalltrainsandmechanicaldevicesandtheworkinrailwayyards.
Trainscannotstopquickly.Itcantakemorethan10footballfieldsormorethan1kilometretocometoacompletestopwhentravelingat100km/h.
Locomotivesdonothavesteeringwheels.Anengineercannotswervethetrainoutofthewaytoavoidatrespasserorvehiclethatisonthetracks.
Remember: Atraincanapproachfromeitherdirectiononanytrackatanytime.
Crossingtraintracksanywhereotherthanatadesignatedlevelcrossingistrespassing. Itisnotonlyagainstthelaw,butextremelydangerous!
IS THE TIME YOU SAVE WORTH YOUR LIFE?
ANY TIME IS TRAIN TIME!