Risk Watch Hazards Around Our Homes
Grades 4

By: Tracy M. Sparks, Shelby, North Carolina
2005 Teacher of the Year

Purpose: To help recognize safety hazards around their homes and convey to their parents why these items are hazards.

Overview: Class will brainstorm all hazards they have see around their homes. These will be placed on a circle map on the board. Students will use the five W’s (who, what, where, when, and why) to discuss how each is a hazard. Students will then take on the role of reporter to write a letter to their parents making them aware of the hazard and asking them to correct the problem.

Step 1: Draw a large circle map on the board. Have students brainstorm things they feel could be hazardous around their own homes. If necessary, they may refer to the Risk Watch student workbook, but the purpose is to have them think of things in their home. If a student gives an idea that others feel is not a hazard, use the five W’s to test the item to see if it is a hazard.

Step 2: Have students select one of the hazards they have found in their homes to use as a writing activity. Review the role of “Reporter”. Students should write a letter to their parent or guardian about the hazard they chose. Students should use the five W’s to explain the hazard. Students should ask parents/guardians to help fix the problem.

Step 3: After a few days, have students report back to the class sharing the hazard they reported to parents/guardians. Celebrate those who have success stories to tell.