How to Teach Traffic Safety to Preschoolers

Preschoolers are curious and can easily wander into danger while exploring the world around them. Even the street you live on can be hazardous for a curious, but uniformed, child. Teaching traffic safety to your preschooler can ready him for big adventures such as walking to the school bus. It also can promote independence and awareness of potential hazards. Although teaching safety rules without boring or confusing a preschooler can be challenging, it's well worth the effort to help prevent accidents.



Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Explain the significance of following traffic rules to your preschooler. Teach preschoolers that "big boys and big girls" follow these important rules to stay safe. Relay the possibility of injury from disobeying traffic rules, without terrifying your preschooler. For example, it's not acceptable to show a preschooler gory pictures of accident victims. Consider meeting with your neighborhood crossing guard for helpful pointers and reinforcement.

Step 2

Obey traffic laws while walking with preschoolers. Young children readily model the attitudes and behaviors of their parents. Avoid hindering your child from complying with safety rules by acting responsibly. Taking your preschooler on a daily walk to the mailbox can help ensure that safety principles become second nature. Going for a surprise walk to the park can allow you to view your child's safety etiquette when not part of a routine outing.

Step 3

Teach preschoolers age-appropriate safety rules. Using sayings such as, "Look both ways before crossing the street," gives simple but important advice. Forbid horseplay while crossing the street or while playing in the yard near the street. Demanding that an inexperienced preschooler hold an adult's hand when crossing the street also can help avoid accidents.

Step 4

Identify traffic signs and aids. Simple questions such as asking the colors and shapes of common traffic signs keeps preschoolers alert. Take a trip to a crosswalk to point out the lines and demonstrate proper crossing safety. Asking your preschooler to point out street signs while driving with her ensures she stays aware of her surroundings. Complete art activities such as having your preschooler draw and label different traffic signs.

Step 5

Let preschoolers demonstrate safety knowledge. Playing games such as "traffic trivia" allows young children to show their traffic safety knowledge in a controlled setting. Ask your child to demonstrate his safety actions during playtime to assess his understanding of safety principles. Set aside time for real-world demonstrations as your child masters different scenarios.