School Bus Safety Activities for Children

In the early 1990s, School Bus Safety Week was organized nationally for the first time.

The third week of October marks National School Bus Safety Week. This annual event, supported by the National School Transportation Association, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, and the National School Bus Safety Week Committee, is not only a celebration but a time to raise awareness. Students and bus drivers can organize activities for students that highlight the importance of bus safety and serve as important reminders about traveling to and from school safely.

Poster Contest

One well-known school bus safety activity is the National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest. Public and private schools from more than 40 states participate, and students from kindergarten to eighth grade are eligible to enter. The children must design a poster that highlights the theme for that particular year and submit it by a specified deadline, along with a completed entry form. The 2010 theme, for example, was "Be Aware. Know the Danger Zone." The posters are judged by how well they relate to the specified theme, as well as for their originality, artwork and visual impact.

Speech Contest

Each state can opt to participate in a National School Bus Safety Speech Contest for students in grades nine through 12. Students rehearse and record a video of their speech on school bus safety. The video is then submitted, along with a typed copy of the speech, a bibliography of the research that was done, and documentation that proves the speech was presented publicly at least once. The president of the State Pupil Transportation Association must be present during the videotaping of each speech. The winner from each state is sent on to the national competition. Speeches must directly relate to school bus safety and be given without the use of notes.

Public Service Announcements

Students can work with a local media source to produce public service announcements, designing radio and video performances, and recording them for airing on local stations. Public service announcement topics suggested by the National Bus Safety Commission include the meaning of traffic and bus lights; the impact of local bus services, including the number of students serviced, and special field trips and sports activities that the buses provide transportation for; and the need to slow down in school zones, crosswalks and bus stops.

Coloring Pages

Younger children might color the letter S to match the color of their school bus, following a discussion about S standing for safety. Students can then decorate a hallway bulletin board with their completed colorings. Offer the children several pages to color that relate to the theme but that address different safety issues, and allow the students to choose between the options.

Thank You Cards

Students can create thank you cards for those involved in public safety, such as drivers, dispatchers, crosswalk guards, and directors of transportation, thanking these individuals for the roles they play in keeping kids safe. Have the group sign a single card, or each child might individually decorate a card.

References

• First School Resources: School Bus Craft
• Nationa School Bus Safety Week Commission: Resource Guide and Activity Booklet
• National Association for Pupil Transportation: School Bus Safety Week
• PA Department of Transportation: School Bus Safety Activity Book