Choose or Lose Activity

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ACTIVITY ID: 18176

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Read about the following materials. Then decide whether you would “choose” the item for your classroom or “lose” it. If you choose the item, describe how you would use it safely. If you lose the item, explain why it is unsafe.

Item	Choose or Lose?	Explanation
Dart board with sharp, metal- tipped darts	Lose	This item is unsafe. Dart boards are OK for your school-age children, but you must make sure the darts have blunt tips, such as rubber or flexible plastic suction cups, cork or other protective points. Having sharp points on darts is dangerous for children and could lead to a serious injury.
Freshly sharpened pencils	Choose	Pencils are safe—and often necessary—for school-age children. Make sure when you are doing your safety check that all sharp scissors and pencils are stored with points facing down. When the points are facing up, there is more risk of injury. The pencil in itself is not dangerous, but how it is stored could be.
A donated woodworking workbench with saws, hammers, and nails	Choose. . .but check!	You must make sure you fully inspect all pieces of the workbench and tools before you can use the set. If you notice any rust or splinters, discard those pieces. Make sure you supervise closely when children are using woodworking tools. This is a high-risk activity.
Drum set	Choose. . .but check!	Make sure you store the drum set in an appropriate room with insulating materials like carpets and fabrics. This will help soften loud noises and prevent damage to hearing. It should also be located away from quiet activities. Also make sure the drum sets are in good condition. If there are cracks, splinters, or rust, get rid of them.
Basketball net that is coming loose and hanging from the rim	Choose or Lose	This is something you should catch on your daily playground check. Nets should be well constructed and firmly attached to the rim so that they don't become strangulation hazards. If the net is still in good condition, it does not need to be replaced. It could just be attached back to the basketball hoop. If the net is beyond repair, talk to your manager about ordering a replacement net.
Remote-control helicopters	Lose	Remote control helicopters are fun, but they are hazardous for school-age children. They can cause eye injuries if not well controlled. Your program should not provide remote controlled flying objects and should not allow children to bring them.
Skateboards	Choose	School-age children can use skateboards safely. Make sure there is plenty of space to avoid injuries from collisions. Also make sure children wear protective gear such as helmets and knee and elbow pads. Supervise closely and help children learn how to ride safely.