English: Class 4 — Chapter 3: Be Smart, Be Safe

Introduction & Message

A warm and caring letter from the Traffic Police of Bharat addressed to children, highlighting the importance of road safety. As children travel to school on foot, by bicycle, or by bus, they encounter busy and potentially dangerous roads. The traffic police share essential safety tips to ensure everyone stays safe and roads remain accident-free.

Six Golden Rules of Road Safety

Rule 1: Always Use The Zebra Crossing

When crossing the road, look for the black and white striped path known as the Zebra Crossing. Always look right, then left, and right again to ensure no vehicles are approaching before crossing safely.

Rule 2: Follow The Traffic Lights

Traffic lights regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement on busy roads. Pedestrians must wait for the pedestrian signal to turn green before crossing. Never run across the road; always walk calmly.

Rule 3: Walk On The Footpaths

A footpath is specifically designed for pedestrians. Always walk on them to stay safe and keep a safe distance from moving vehicles.

Rule 4: Hold An Adult’s Hand

Children should always hold an adult's hand when walking near roads, especially while crossing them.

Rule 5: Use Reflective Stickers In The Dark

When walking on roads in the evening or dark, stick reflective stickers on clothing so drivers can see you clearly from a distance.

Rule 6: Be Alert

Never play or get distracted near roads. Avoid using headphones or mobile phones while walking, as they can distract you from hearing crucial traffic sounds.

Vocabulary & Key Terms
Grammar: Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Nouns Overview

A Noun (naming word) names a person, place, thing, or idea. Nouns are classified based on whether they can be counted or not.

Countable Nouns

Countable nouns are nouns that can be counted individually. They have both singular and plural forms.

Examples: apples, buses, chairs, bananas, biscuits, tomatoes, sandwiches, coffee jars, tables.

Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns are nouns that cannot be counted individually. They usually do not have a plural form.

Examples: water, rice, air, lemonade, flour, curd, tomato ketchup, mashed potatoes, coffee.

Teacher's Note on Quantifiers

While substances like rice, sugar, salt, water, oil, and milk are uncountable, they become countable when measured in specific units or containers.

  • Uncountable: milk, water, sugar
  • Countable: bottles of milk, drops of water, bowls of sugar
Exercises & Activities

Let us Think & Learn

  • True or False: Walking on footpaths is safe (True); running while crossing is safe (False); wearing dark clothes in the evening makes you more visible (False).
  • Multiple Choice: Before crossing, you should stop, look right, left, and right again. Avoid headphones because they distract you from traffic sounds.

Let us Do: Safe vs Unsafe Activities

  • Safe: Looking right and left before crossing, crossing at a zebra crossing, walking on the footpath.
  • Unsafe: Playing on the road, listening to loud music on the road.

Traffic Symbols & Meanings

Key road signs to identify: School ahead, No honking, No littering, Ladies/Gents restroom, Right/Left turn, Handicapped, Drive slow, Danger ahead, U-turn.