I Spy a School Bus by Jean Marzollo (2003, Paperback)

Too expect the young (k-5) to sit quietly on the school bus and keep hands to self is not likely to happen on a daily basis, not without a plan that works. Toys end up on the floor, too often used to hit other children, or lost. A small book library on the bus helps some of the more active children occupy their time. 'I Spy a School Bus' booklet is one of the kids favorites. Geared to kindergartners through about 3rd grade, the booklet provides several pages of pictures. On one page are several separate images that are looked for in a large scene on the other page. The 'I Spy a School Bus' booklet helps keep the bus a calmer, safer place for children, an important part of helping ease bus driver distraction while driving the school bus - driver distraction is the number one cause of school bus crashes. The more active children tend to remain seated the entire trip with the help of this booklet. I recommend it to bus drivers that want to start a small school bus library. I also recommend laminating the pages. This booklet will not hold up very long on the school bus unless doing so. A small bus library and a few consistent rules enforced – establishing soft voices, keep belongings and self out of the aisle, and nothing in the mouth – and also separating the more active away from each other and handing out the books before leaving the school helps maintain a safe, calm bus environment where unruliness previously prevailed. To find out more about working with bus riders visit the 2safechools.org Website.