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Instructions

Kindergarten – Grade 3

Discuss the following in your class.

Introduction

• Begin by introducing the concept of public transit to the students. It’s important because it reduces traffic, keeps the air cleaner and gives us a chance to walk more, which helps us stay active and healthy.

Public transit, like buses, helps us get around our community. It’s important because it reduces traffic, keeps the air cleaner and gives us a chance to walk more, which helps us stay active and healthy. Buses are also better for the environment because they use less fuel than everyone driving their own cars. Public transit connects us by helping people get to school, work and other places. 

Why are buses important?

Show your class this video that highlights the importance of buses.

Discussion

If watching a video isn’t possible in your classroom, you can lead a discussion with your students by asking these questions: 

Why do we need buses?
Where do you think people on the bus are going?
Where would you go on the bus?
Who in our community rides the bus?

8 Steps to Get You BusReady

Show your students the 8 Steps to Get You BusReady video series. Each video is less than a minute long.

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About The #GetOnBoard Series

#GetOnBoard Tutorial 1: Getting To The #Bus Stop Safely

#GetOnBoard Tutorial 2: Waiting For The #Bus

#GetOnBoard Tutorial 3: Finding A Seat

#GetOnBoard Tutorial 4: Bonus Tips

#GetOnBoard Tutorial 5: Getting Help

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If video is not an option for your classroom, then consider reviewing the following steps to Becoming BusReady to your classroom:  

Get to the bus stop safely and at least five minutes before your bus arrives. Make sure to use crosswalks if you need to cross the street.  
Be visible at the bus stop and stay one metre (the length of a baseball bat) from the curb. Signal to the bus driver so they see you and know you are waiting for the bus.  Once the bus arrives, check the route name and number on the front and side of the bus to make sure you have the right bus. All buses look alike, so it’s important to pay attention.
Find the right seat. When you get on the bus, do your best to find a seat. At the front of the bus, you will see the courtesy seats – these seats face sideways. Courtesy seats are very important and for people who need them most, so if you are sitting in one of these seats and see someone in a wheelchair or scooter board the bus, please give up the seat.
Remove large bags. When walking down the aisle, remove your backpack so it doesn’t accidentally bump into other passengers. Please don’t place backpacks in the aisles where people might trip on them or on other seats where people might want to sit down. Keep your backpacks and bags by your feet or on your lap.  
Ask for help when you need it! Remember, the bus driver is a safe stranger. You can ask them if you need directions, have a question or if you feel unsafe. You can always speak to the bus driver and ask for help.  
Be kind and respectful. Remember, seats are for bodies and not things like your bags or wet umbrellas. When you are with your friends, make sure to keep your voices at a normal talking volume – loud conversations could distract the driver. Always be a helper! Make sure to take any garbage you have with you when you leave.  
Pay attention when it’s time to leave. Make sure you press the stop button or pull the cord when you want to get off at the next stop. Always be careful if the bus is still moving, so make sure you use handrails and poles to balance yourself. Most importantly, it’s always good to wave and say thanks to your bus driver as you leave the bus.  
Exit out the back door safely. Before you step off the bus, look left, right, then left again before you step off the bus – just like at a crosswalk! If everything looks clear, you are safe to exit the bus. 

Bus Connection Quest

Each character on the sheet comes from a different part of the community. It could be work, school or maybe they went shopping. Students must draw a line through the maze to get each character home. 

• One worksheet per student.

Becoming BusReady

This is a writing exercise for students (suggested grades 2-3) to express how much they understand each step in their bus riding journey. Younger students could also represent their answer visually using drawings.

• One worksheet per student.

Learning Objectives

Understand the importance of public transit in connecting communities. 
Know the safety rules and expectations for riding the bus.
Understand how public transit contributes to a healthy environment and lifestyle. 
Apply artistic motor skills to express understanding of bus safety and community connection through art.

Core Competencies

Communication, collaboration, critical, reflective thinking and social emotional skills are at the forefront in this lesson.

Communication

• Develop listening skills during discussions and video presentations.  
• Enhance verbal expression by sharing ideas and participating in discussions.  

Critical Thinking

• Explore how public transit helps reduce environmental impact.  
• Understand the physical and social aspects of using public transit.  
• Recognize the importance of following safety rules on the bus.  
• Recognize how public transit connects and serves the community. 

Extensions & Modifications

Get Creative

Consider watching this video where kids describe the bus and ask your classroom what they would do if they had their own bus. Encourage them to share creative ideas with the class and discuss how their ideas could help strengthen community connections for everyone.

To extend the lesson, ask the students to write their own stories about where they would go or what they would do. 

Assessment

Assess student engagement and understanding during the introduction and video discussion.  
Evaluate the colouring sheets for effort and understanding of the concept.  
Review each step to being BusReady activity sheets for accuracy and completeness.  
Consider the creativity and thoughtfulness in the artistic representations on the activity sheets, ensuring students grasp the concepts.  
Check students’ ability to explain the 8 steps of using public transit and how these steps contribute to safety and community connection.