Kids teach kids about Halloween safety

october 14, 2009

Don't go into anyone's house to get candy.
Always carry a flashlight.
Walk with an adult.
Have your parents check your candy before you eat it.
Watch out for cars and don't run.
Choose a costume that fits you well so you don’t trip and fall.
Only go to houses that have the lights on.

These are just a few of the Halloween safety tips that Schuylerville sixth-graders shared with kindergartners in an intergenerational project that’s part of their computer classes.

“The older students worked for weeks on individual PowerPoint presentations focused on Halloween safety,” explained Casey Anderson, a computer teacher at Schuylerville Elementary School. “They conducted research before assembling the presentations, so they not only used computer skills, but also expanded their research, reading and writing abilities.”

Additionally, the sixth-graders had to consider their audience and write the tips in language that was easy for kindergartners to understand. “Part of the grade on this project was also based on how appropriate the graphics and writing were for the audience,” Anderson said. Other factors affecting the grade included use of PowerPoint features, including designs, sound, clipart, transitions and animation.

The sixth-graders were definitely showing off their creativity, as well, choosing brightly colored graphics and music clips that would draw the attention of their younger peers. Each sixth-grader was paired up with a kindergartner to review the tips.

“This was a fun project,” said sixth-grader Alyssa Parella. “I really enjoyed working with the kindergartners."

Alyssa's classmates agreed, adding that the kindergartners would probably be more willing to take the advice of their sixth-grade peers rather than their parents because "it's kids talking to kids.”