It is heartbreaking to watch the news unfold around the world with the terrible consequences of COVID-19. Just as we’ve always taught our students at RYDA, a safe following distance is essential to the well-being of everyone we share our roads with. It is time for us all to step back and create a safe social following distance.
As an essential youth development program so many of the topics we discuss in RYDA, like identifying and controlling mindstate, understanding personal risk profiles and thinking socially are critical tools at time where uncertainty and fear is in abundance. We are making sure you don’t have to wait for the world to return to ‘normal’ or for the re-scheduled face-to-face RYDA workshops to give your students the tools they need now to navigate the unknown.
We’ve also created some resources you can send home to your parent network as a way for your school to provide extra support to parents at a time when they may be feeling a little overwhelmed as they take on a bigger role in their child’s learning. Many will be finding more time for driving lessons (where goverment guidelines permit) and many will find themselves feeling stressed and under extra pressure on the roads.
We will be forwarding new ideas and resources regularly and updating our table below. Please feel free to browse the content and choose the resources that support you best in the work you are doing – it may be to provide road safety learning or just an opportunity for students to stay connected in the virtual classroom.
Use the jumplinks below to navigate through the page:
This fun, practical activity gives students an opportunity to get a little sunshine and fresh air as they team up with an iso-mate (Mum, Dad or sibling) to do a health check on the family car. The activity features step by step instructions, a printable checklist and bonus points activity. Access the activity here
FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES: One of the hardest of things to do amidst the COVID-19 crisis is to switch off the clutter in our minds and be present in whatever moment we may be in. That can be particularly difficult when you’re behind the wheel making that rare and quick trip for essential supplies, getting to and from work or helping someone more vulnerable. In these moments, you might find more anxiety and stress creeping into your driving. This article provides parents with great techniques for mindful driving, a video instruction on how to conduct a commentary drive and practical tips to control anxiety. Access the article here
Our vehicles have a serious job to do in keeping us safe on the road. A few simple checks and a good understanding of the warning lights will help students make sure it’s up to the task. This activity asks students to use their vehicle owner manual as a resource tool to become familiar with the car’s safety features, basic mechanical upkeep and warning signs.
The resource features a printable worksheet for students, answer sheet for teachers and followup revision Kahoot! quiz. Access the activity here
FOR STUDENTS WHO’VE ATTENDED THE RYDA WORKSHOP IN 2020: We’ve put together a Kahoot! Revision challenge which takes students back to some of the key messages they discussed at the RYDA workshop earlier this year. Invite your students to join our ‘all-school challenge’. Students will battle against players from all over Australia and New Zealand as they vie for the RYDA crown. Different from a hosted quiz, a challenge can be sent to students to complete in their own time. They’ll get the questions and answer options on their screen and will be able to see their position on the RYDA leader-board in real-time. To invite your students, simply send them the Game Pin: 03505839
How music impacts our mood, focus and ability to take in information has often been debated between parents and teenagers and teachers and students alike. We’ve created a multi-faceted resource, that has application well beyond road safety, to help students understand the impact of music. This exercise sees students take that understanding and create a playlist of tracks that will support their task needs (when working or studying) and reduce their risk (when driving).
The resource can be assigned in class or as homework. It features an optional classroom extension and engagement activities for parents and the whole school. Teachers can assign part or all of the activity to suit their needs. Access the resource here
At RYDA we talk about the importance of well-maintained tyres with appropriate tread depth but did you know that tyres should be replaced at a certain age, regardless of the condition they are in? Here’s a valuable tip from our partner, Bridgestone on how to identify the age of tyres. It’s a good exercise to promote on your school’s social media pages as quick one-time job that every student or parent can do right before they jump in their car. Access the resource here
Each and every RYDA workshop session is supported by a series of classroom resources, student discoveries and assignments that teachers can utilise before and after the workshop to extend the learning. We’ve pulled out some of the material that supports our Drive S.O.S., session which is devoted to the protection of others. The themes of the session; understanding the challenges of others, seeing our world as a shared space and responding in a protective manner, all have application in many areas of our students lives and are strong, positive life skills to develop at this critical age. Access the resource here
