Street Smart Teacher Guide
Teacher Resource
Street Smart Safety
Life Skills Community Instruction Guide
Unit 1 • Lesson 1
Lesson Overview
This direct instruction guide helps educators teach critical community survival skills. Designed for students in life skills and transition programs, it uses concrete, visual language and step-by-step scripts to address high-stakes real-world safety scenarios.
Key Focus Areas
- Pedestrian & Traffic Safety
- Stranger Interactions
- Emergency Procedures
- Navigating & Getting Lost
1
Pedestrian & Traffic Safety
Visual Cues
Don't Walk (Solid Red)
Walk Sign (White/Green)
Warning (Yellow/Blinking)
Always point to the actual symbols during instruction.
Teacher Script: "When we walk in the community, the street can be dangerous. Before crossing, we must STOP, LOOK all directions, and LISTEN for cars. Only cross at crosswalks when the light shows a walking person!"
Interactive Check for Understanding
Ask: "If the red hand is glowing, but you don't see any cars, do you cross?" Correct Answer: NO. We always wait for the Walk signal.
2
Interactions with Strangers
Teacher Script: "A stranger is someone we do not know. Most strangers are good, but we must protect our bodies. If a stranger asks you to follow them or keep a secret, you must say 'NO', run away, and tell a safe helper."
Defining Safe Community Helpers
Brainstorm with students: Who wears a uniform or has an official name tag? Examples: Police officers, firefighters, cashiers with badges, mall security.
Safety Rule
NO! (Say it loud)
GO! (Run away)
TELL! (Find a helper)
Roleplay this physical response as a class.
Street Smart Safety Bundle • Teacher Guide Page 1 of 2
Street Smart Safety Instruction
Core Skills • Pacing & Classroom Strategies
Part 2 of 2
3
Emergency Situations
Action Flow
1. Notice Danger (Fire/Accident)
2. Move Outside / Safe Space
3. Call 911 on Phone
Reinforce: Do not search for pets or toys in a fire.
Teacher Script: "If you smell smoke or see fire, leave the building immediately. Never hide in closets or under beds! Once you are outside in a safe place, use a phone to call 911. Tell the dispatcher your name and location."
911 Calling Practice Prompt
Pass around an inactive dummy cell phone. Ask each student to show: Pressing '9-1-1' and clicking 'Call'. Say: "Help, my house has smoke."
4
Navigating & Getting Lost
Teacher Script: "If you get separated from your teacher or parents in a big store, stay calm. Do not wander away or look outside. Go to a cashier checkout or customer service counter and ask for help."
ID Card Readiness
Ensure every student has an ID card with their name, address, and emergency contact number. Practice reciting these three points daily.
Safe Places
Customer Counter
Cash Register
Information Desk
Staying Put (No wandering)
Remind: Never walk to the parking lot alone to search.
Life Skills Class Modifications & Support
For Non-Verbal Students
Utilize AAC communication boards featuring standard safety symbols ("STOP", "HELP", "911", "SAFE HELPERS"). Ensure safety ID card is securely clipped to backpack or jacket pocket.
High-Support Visuals
Pair safety signs with physical hand gestures during assessment. Read each assessment prompt aloud, using physical modeling of choices where possible to aid comprehension.
Street Smart Safety Bundle • Teacher Guide Page 2 of 2
Street Smart Practice Worksheet
Street Smart Practice
Community Safety Practice Worksheet
Student Activity
Name:
Date:
Part 1: Pedestrian & Traffic Signs
Look at each safety sign action below. Write YES if the action is safe, or NO if it is dangerous.
Scenario A
Crossing the street when the walking person light is shining bright green.
Scenario B
Running across the road between parked cars because you are in a rush.
Scenario C
Stopping to look left, right, and left again before stepping off the curb.
Part 2: What is the Rule?
1. A person you don't know pulls up in a car and asks you to get in. What should you do? Write your safety plan:
2. If you need help inside a grocery store, name one safe community helper you can look for:
Street Smart Safety Bundle • Student Worksheet Page 1 of 2
Street Smart Practice
Emergencies & Navigation Skills
Page 2 of 2
Part 3: Emergency Information Check
Practice writing your official emergency details below so you are always prepared.
My Parent or Guardian's Name:
Emergency Phone Number:
Explain the difference: When do you call 911 vs. when do you ask a parent/teacher for help?
Part 4: Lost in Public Scenario
The Situation: You are walking with your class at the local shopping mall. You stop to look at a toy in a window display, and when you look up, your class is gone. You cannot see your teacher anywhere.
1. Should you walk out to the parking lot to look for your teacher or bus? Explain why or why not:
2. Where is a safe place inside the mall to stand and wait or ask for help?
Street Smart Safety Bundle • Student Worksheet Page 2 of 2
Street Smart Assessment
Street Smart Assessment
Community Safety Multiple-Choice Evaluation
Evaluation
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read each question carefully. Fill in or circle the circle next to the best answer.
1 When crossing the street, what does a glowing red hand signal mean?
A
You can walk safely.
B
Stop and wait on the sidewalk.
C
Run across quickly.
2 Where is the safest place to cross a busy community road?
A
At a marked crosswalk or corner traffic signal.
B
Anywhere you want, as long as you run.
C
In between two parked cars.
3 If a person you do not know asks you to help look for a lost puppy in their car, what should you do?
A
Say yes and help them search inside the car.
B
Say NO, run away, and tell a safe helper.
C
Ask them for money first.
4 Who is a safe community helper you can ask for help if you are lost?
A
Another stranger walking down the street.
B
A police officer or a cashier with a name badge.
C
Nobody, you should hide in the bushes.
Street Smart Safety Bundle • Student Assessment Page 1 of 2
Street Smart Assessment
Community Safety Multiple-Choice Evaluation
Page 2 of 2
5 If you smell smoke or see fire inside a building, what must you do first?
A
Hide under your bed or in a closet.
B
Leave the building immediately to a safe place.
C
Stay inside and search for your toys.
6 When is it correct to dial 9-1-1 on a phone?
A
When there is a real emergency, like a fire or medical danger.
B
When you want to play a fun trick or joke.
C
When you cannot find your favorite TV show.
7 If you get separated from your teacher or parents in a store, what should you do?
A
Run out to the parking lot to search for them alone.
B
Stay inside and go to the cash register or customer desk.
C
Wander out of the store to find another shop.
8 Why is it important to memorize your phone number and home address?
