Unfortunately recent events have made us all too well aware of how
important it is to keep our children safe and while we cannot cater
for every eventuality we can try to warn about some of the possible
dangers confronting children, some familiar, some unknown.
This activity is designed to be a fun way to explore some very serious
issues. It can be used a small group work or a whole class activity.
On a large grid Roamer has to go from bottom left to top right (number
of squares depends on age of children) . Write "D" (standing
for discussion card) randomly on the squares. Place the discussion cards
in a pile face down. The object of the exercise is to get Roamer home
safely. Throw a dice and program Roamer to move the appropriate number
of squares. When it lands on a discussion square the children should
pick a card, discuss and vote on what Roamer should do. Teachers/classroom
assistants leading the discussion should elicit all the possible outcomes
of a decision including "nothing happens". Older pupils could
try to start some risk assessment by estimating the likelihood of each
possible outcome happening.
Deciding to walk by the shortcut through the woods some possible outcomes
1. Walk through safely 75%
2. Get lost 20%
3. Fall over a log and get hurt 3%
4. Step in a puddle/wet mud and get muddy or wet 5%
5. Pick some poisonous berries and get sick 2%
6. Get mugged 5%
7. Get assaulted 0.5%
Obviously the likelihood of the different events happening depends
on your local area. The percentages don't have to add up to 100% - after
all you could get lost, fall over a log and end up in a puddle!
The teacher needs to write the discussion cards as they think appropriate.
Not all the situations will lead to danger - it is important that the
children learn to distinguish between high and low risk situations.
Click here for some suggestions. The teacher
also needs to have decided what the appropriate action is for each decision,
from "go forward 3 spaces" to "go back to the beginning"
or "forfeit the game and not get home safely at all". This
activity could also be done for safety in the home.
Why use Roamer? By using Roamer they are actively making decisions
that will keep Roamer safe and get it home in one piece. They are emotionally
engaged with it, it is not a totally abstract exercise. However because
they are using a third party they are safely distanced from the issues
and can discuss them objectively. Knowing that you cannot possibly cover
every eventuality this will help them assess new situations as they
come across them and make informed and safe judgements.
If you have any suggestions for Topical Topics that you would like
to see ideas for or, even better, have a Topical Topic that has worked
well with you class and you could share with other teachers please do