Walk Don't Run

The corridors and halls of schools world over are visited at some time or the other with these callouts.
"WALK DON'T RUN" or " NO RUNNING IN THE CORRIDORS"

Safety is the prime concern in every adult's vision. Who operate from the premise, "prevention is better than cure". So all effort is make to stop what may occur.

Sometimes an indignant voice pitches an octave near earth shattering degree when it yells, "How many times have I told you not to run on the corridors?" you'd be luck if the little one waits to answer you on that one. If you do catch the erring one you will be amazed at the incredulous expression of a big question mark on the countenance. "From where did you appear?" it asks.

I had a stroke of genius when I asked a speeding tornado wrapped up in this little one.
"Why are you running?" I called out. Without reducing his speed or direction I heard him say as he disappeared into his class at the end of the corridor, "To come first". I have thus stopped 'asking questions' at this most volatile time when children have but one mission, of reaching point B from point A at top speed.

However, the safety of children still remains our prime concern. So we have to work around the mind set of the child to reach in and say it in the way which makes sense to them. The first step would be to make children aware of the dangers of hurting themselves and others. This is apporached in a story telling session, roping in how traffic rules are obeyed by parents for the same reasons. A role play of obeying rules in school is set up a few days later. Seeing the scenario unfold may strike a chord as visual usually do. Next a specially prepared presentation of reminder signals is shown in all classes. This is equally colourful and interesting. With this we make them familiar with what is expected of them when they see the signal. Lastly, on the corridor walls we put up these specially made signals at the eye level of the child, at strategic points. These bright and colourful indicators say 'WALK'.

I am now in 'walk' mode with this project and will not expect speedy results but will surely expect the long term outcome to be in the interest and safety of the child.

Love always
Joscelyn Fernandes
OOEHS, Kindergarten Supervisor.