How We Keep Preschoolers Safe on Trail Hikes

This post is part of our blog series on the Wind Rose Outdoor Safety Booklet, so families can have an in-depth look at how we handle the trails. Check out the full safety booklet or catch up on the rest of the series.

TL;DR: On every hike, children stay between two teachers and follow our Traffic Light Rules. Green means run carefully, yellow means walk, red means stop.

If your child has come home muddy and proudly told you they "red-lighted" at a driveway, here's the story behind it. Hikes are some of our favorite learning time, and they run on a few simple rules the children know by heart.

Stay between the teachers

One teacher leads, one follows, and everyone stays in between. That keeps us one safe group, no matter how exciting the trail gets.

Green, yellow, red

Green light means run carefully when it's safe. Yellow means walk. Red means stop right away.

Red light at every crossing point

We stop at trail markers, trail splits, intersections, driveways and roads. Children learn that these are the spots where we pause, regroup and check before moving on.

Pull over and share the trail

When another hiker comes by, or we spot an animal or bug on the path, we step to the side and give it room.

Ask before petting dogs

A teacher meets the owner, asks first, and then lets children know if it's okay. Some dogs are nervous around a crowd of small people, and we respect that.

Check on a friend who falls

Stop, ask "Do you need help?" and tell a teacher right away. Tumbles are part of hiking. Caring for each other is part of who we are.

At Home
Try using "red light" at your own driveway or street corner. When children hear the same words at school and at home, the habit sticks. Thank you for being our partners in keeping every adventure a safe one.