Lock Arms for Life — Safe Storage Lesson Form for Librarians

Lesson Title: “Save the Day, Lock It Away” — Understanding Firearm Safety and Safe Choices

Grade Level —  ☐ 3rd  ☐ 4th  ☐ 5th  ☐ Other: ___________

TEKS Alignment

§115.17. Health Education, Grade 5 (Adopted 2020)
- Strand: Injury and Violence Prevention and Safety
 — (11) Safety and first aid knowledge
- (12) Healthy home, school, and community climate
- (14) Interpersonal violence prevention

Lesson Objectives

  • Understand the importance of safe firearm storage and responsible behavior.
  • Identify actions to take when encountering an unsecured firearm.
  • Recognize how individual choices affect safety in the home and community.
  • Practice communicating concerns about safety with adults and peers.

Materials Needed

  • Save the Day, Lock It Away graphic novel (one per student or group)
  • Discussion questions (provided below)
  • Whiteboard or chart paper
  • Optional: Printable Lock Arms for Life “Get ACTIVE” handout

Lesson Procedure

  1. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin by discussing the meaning of staying safe at home and in the community.
- Ask: “What are some things you do to stay safe every day?”
  2. Read-Aloud (10–15 minutes)
- Read Save the Day, Lock It Away aloud or project pages for group reading.
- Pause to highlight key safety ideas (e.g., what to do if you see a gun, who to tell).
  3. Guided Discussion (10 minutes)
Ask students:
- Why is it important for adults to lock up firearms?
- What should you do if you see a gun somewhere?
- What does it mean to be a leader in safety?
- How can you help friends make safe choices?
  4. Reflection and Action (10 minutes)
- Have students complete one of the following:
  • Write or draw one thing they learned about staying safe.
  • Role-play how to respond if a friend finds a gun.
  • Create a class “Safety Pledge” poster.

Key Takeaways: Get ACTIVE Principles

Always secure guns, homes and cars; cultivate responsible behavior; take steps to prevent harm; Inquire about unsecured guns in others’ homes; voice your concerns about gun safety; educate your peers about getting active. Safe storage: unloaded, locked securely and out of reach. Don’t touch/look at a gun without an adult. Always treat a gun like it is loaded; point guns in a safe direction; NEVER point a gun at anyone including yourself.

Extension Options

  • Invite a school resource officer or counselor to discuss safety planning.
  • Connect with parents/caregivers through a follow-up newsletter or family discussion guide.

Librarian Feedback

School:

Librarian Name:

Date of Lesson:

# of Students Reached:

Grade(s):

How did students respond?

Any quotes, highlights, or suggestions?