Green Cross Code

Overview

This 30-minute lesson introduces Year 4 students to the Green Cross Code, a critical UK road safety protocol designed to keep pedestrians safe. The lesson builds on prior learning from Lesson 1 and aligns with the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education statutory framework (DfE 2020) and the KS2 National Curriculum aims for Health and Wellbeing. Through interactive storytelling, visual aids, and role play, students will learn the six steps of the Green Cross Code, understand their importance, and practise applying the Code in safe, supervised activities.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, all students will be able to:

• Recall the six steps of the Green Cross Code in order.
• Explain why the Green Cross Code is important for pedestrian safety.
• Demonstrate correct pedestrian behaviour by applying the Code in a practical scenario.

Curriculum Links

• PSHE Education: Health and wellbeing – Keeping safe and managing risk
• Understanding the World / Personal Development: Safety rules and decision-making
• National Curriculum KS2: Physical Education health-related fitness and safety awareness

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Resources

• Large, colourful poster depicting the six steps of the Green Cross Code
• Printed individual step cards with images and brief descriptions
• Toy traffic lights and zebra crossing mat for role play
• Whiteboard and markers
• A small bag with a toy figure or puppet ("Safe Sammy") for storytelling

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Recap (5 minutes)

• Greet students and briefly review the previous lesson on pedestrian hazards.
• Introduce the Green Cross Code as an important safety guide that everyone should use when crossing the road.
• Share the purpose: to keep pedestrians safe by following simple rules.

Engagement tip: Use “Safe Sammy” the puppet to pose the question: "What should I do before crossing the road safely?" This encourages curiosity.

2. Exploring the Six Steps (10 minutes)

Use the poster and cards to present the six steps of the Green Cross Code:

1. Find a safe place to cross.
2. Stop just before you get to the curb.
3. Look all around for traffic and listen.
4. If traffic is coming, let it pass.
5. When it is safe, walk straight across the road – do not run.
6. Keep looking and listening while crossing.

Teaching approach:

• Read each step aloud with the students.
• Show the corresponding card and ask students to describe what they see in their own words.
• Discuss why each step is important in simple, clear language.

3. Role Play Activity (10 minutes)

• Set up the zebra crossing mat and use the toy traffic lights to simulate a road crossing.
• Assign roles: one student is a pedestrian, another controls traffic (with the toy lights), the third observes and gives feedback.
• Using the steps, guide the pedestrian in practising safe crossing using the Code.
• Rotate roles so each student experiences different perspectives.

Extension: Ask students how situations might change if it is raining, or if there is a lot of noise around (e.g., construction nearby).

4. Reflection & Consolidation (5 minutes)

• Discuss with students what they learned about the Code and why it is useful.
• Ask: "What was the hardest step to remember? Why?" and "How will you remember to keep safe when crossing the road?"
• Recap by summarising the six steps one more time together.

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Assessment & Differentiation

• Informal assessment through observation of participation during role play and verbal questioning.
• Support students needing extra help by pairing them with peers or providing visual prompts during activities.
• Challenge more confident learners by encouraging them to explain the Code in their own words or create a mnemonic to memorise the steps.

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Extension Ideas for Future Lessons

• Create a safety poster or digital slideshow illustrating the Green Cross Code in real-life photos.
• Explore pedestrian safety with practical walks in the local environment, applying the Code.
• Investigate other road safety measures such as pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, and reflective clothing.

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Teacher’s Reflection Prompts

• Did students recall the six steps effectively?
• Was the role play engaging and inclusive for all learners?
• How did students handle discussing varied situations (e.g., weather, distractions)?
• What could be adjusted for lesson 3 to deepen understanding or increase challenge?

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By focusing on active learning, real-life application, and reflective discussion, this lesson will empower Year 4 students with essential knowledge and skills to stay safe as pedestrians — a foundation for a lifetime of safer journeys.