Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Find dangers at home.
• Know how to be safe at school.
• Know who to ask for help.
• Know what to do if a stranger talks to you.
• Understand warning signs for danger.

Lesson summary

In Grade 1 Life Skills, we are learning about keeping ourselves safe at home and at school. This is very important because accidents can happen, and it’s good to know how to avoid them and what to do if something goes wrong. South African homes and schools, just like everywhere else, have places where we need to be extra careful. Learning about safety helps us to be healthy, happy, and able to learn better. We want to make sure everyone in our class and at home feels safe. For example, knowing not to touch a hot stove at home or running into the road near school can keep you from getting hurt. Also, we must always know who to ask for help when we feel unsafe.

Lesson notes

What is Safety? Safety means being free from danger or harm. It's about keeping ourselves and others safe by being careful and aware of our surroundings. At home and school, there are things we can do to stay safe.

Safety at Home: Kitchen Safety: The kitchen can be a dangerous place if we're not careful.

Hot Stoves and Ovens: Never touch a hot stove or oven. These can burn you badly. Always ask a grown-up to help you when you need to use the stove or oven.

Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects should only be used with a grown-up's help. These can cut you.

Cleaning Products: Cleaning products like bleach and detergents are poisonous if you swallow them. They should be kept in a safe place away from children. Never taste or smell them. They usually have a skull and crossbones symbol to warn you.

Electricity: Never play with electrical sockets or cords. These can give you a shock. If you see a damaged wire, tell a grown-up right away.

Medication: Never take medicine without a grown-up giving it to you. Medicines can be dangerous if you take the wrong kind or too much.

Example: Thando sees his mom using the stove. He knows it's hot, so he stays away from it and watches from a safe distance. He knows he should never touch it without her permission.

Bathroom Safety: Water Safety: Never play near bathtubs or swimming pools without a grown-up watching you. You could slip and fall and hurt yourself or even drown.

Electrical Appliances: Keep electrical appliances like hairdryers away from water.

Cleaning Products: Just like in the kitchen, cleaning products in the bathroom can be dangerous.

Example: Aisha wants to take a bath. She calls her mom to help her make sure the water temperature is just right and that the floor is dry to avoid slipping.

General Home Safety: Fire Safety: Know what to do if there is a fire. Have a plan with your family and practice it. Know where your exits are and where to meet outside. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

Strangers: Never open the door to a stranger when you are home alone. If someone you don't know comes to the door, call a grown-up or your neighbour. Never go anywhere with someone you don't know.

Falls: Keep floors clear of toys and clutter to avoid tripping. Use a stepladder or ask a grown-up to help you reach high places.

Example: When Khaya's mom is not home, someone knocks on the door. He knows not to open the door and tells them his mom is busy and will call them later. He immediately calls his mom to tell her.

Safety at School: Playground Safety: Using Equipment Properly: Use playground equipment as it's intended. Don't climb on the slides or swing too high.

Being Careful of Others: Watch out for other children while you're playing. Don't push or shove.

Reporting Injuries: If you get hurt, tell a teacher right away.

Example: Zanele is playing on the jungle gym. She makes sure she only goes up the steps and down the slide. She waits her turn and doesn’t push anyone.

Classroom Safety: Sharp Objects: Be careful with pencils, scissors, and other sharp objects.

Walking Carefully: Walk carefully around the classroom to avoid bumping into others or tripping.

Following Instructions: Listen to your teacher and follow their instructions.

Example: Sipho needs to sharpen his pencil. He asks the teacher for permission to use the sharpener and is careful when using it.

Walking to and from School: Walking with a Friend: If possible, walk to and from school with a friend or a group.

Staying on the Sidewalk: Walk on the sidewalk and be aware of traffic.

Crossing the Street Safely: Look both ways before crossing the street, and only cross at designated crosswalks. Always listen for cars and look carefully.

Example: Lerato walks home with her friend, Musa. They walk on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing the street.

Who to Ask for Help: It's important to know who to ask for help when you feel unsafe at home or at school.

These people include: Parents or Guardians: Your parents or guardians are always there to help you.

Teachers: Your teachers can help you at school.

Trusted Adults: This could be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend.

Police: The police are there to help keep you safe. In South Africa, the emergency number is

1

0

1

1

1. However, calling this number should always be done by a responsible adult. You can tell a trusted adult to call them for you.

Example: Nkosi feels unsafe because someone is bullying him at school. He tells his teacher, who helps him to resolve the issue. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Imagine you are in the kitchen at home and you see a pot on the stove with steam coming out of it. What should you do?

Solution: I should not touch the pot because it is hot. I should tell a grown-up that there is a hot pot on the stove. I know not to touch it because steam means it's very hot and I could get burned.