What do the road signs tell us? - Teacher notes

Road signs are crucial for safe navigation and understanding traffic rules, and this set of teacher notes outlines an educational activity aimed at helping pupils learn about them. The activity starts with a general discussion about road signs, using online resources to familiarise pupils with the signs they might see around their local area. Pupils are encouraged to recognise the differences in shape between circular and triangular signs, understanding that circular signs are orders that must be obeyed, such as a sign indicating that drivers must stop for children crossing, whereas triangular signs serve as warnings, alerting road users to potential hazards like the presence of young children.

The learning experience is further enriched by allowing pupils to conduct their own research to discover the meanings of various signs. The activity differentiates between signs intended for motorists and those for pedestrians, ensuring pupils understand the relevance of each sign to different road users. Pupils are then tasked with going on a field trip, accompanied by their parents, to identify at least three additional road signs in their surroundings. To consolidate their learning, pupils are asked to create a sketch incorporating a road sign, which also helps to develop their sketching skills. This hands-on approach to learning not only educates pupils about road safety but also encourages them to engage with their local environment and understand the importance of traffic signs in the UK.