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 and school.
• Know how to stay safe.
• Name a trusted adult you can ask for help.
• Understand why safety rules are important.
• Recognise basic safety signs.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be learning about staying safe at home and at school. Safety is very important because it helps us to prevent accidents and injuries. Imagine you're playing in your yard in Soweto or attending school in Cape Town; understanding how to stay safe means you can enjoy these activities without getting hurt. Learning these skills will help you to look after yourself and others around you. In South Africa, we have many different kinds of homes and schools, but the need to be safe is the same for everyone. Being aware of dangers and knowing what to do will help you become a responsible and healthy member of our community.

Lesson notes

What is Safety? Safety means keeping yourself and others away from harm or danger. It's about being aware of things that could hurt you and knowing how to prevent accidents.

Safety at Home: Your home should be a safe place, but sometimes accidents can happen. Here are some important things to remember: Kitchen Safety: The kitchen is a fun place to help, but it can be dangerous.

Hot Stoves: Never touch the stove or oven without an adult. They get very hot and can burn you.

Example: If your mom is cooking pap on the stove, stay a safe distance away.

Sharp Objects: Knives and scissors are for adults to use. Never play with them.

Example: If you see a knife on the counter, tell an adult.

Cleaning Products: Cleaning products like bleach and dish soap are poisonous. Never drink or touch them. Keep them stored high up, away from children.

Example: The Doom spray should be kept out of reach.

Electrical Safety: Don't put anything into electrical outlets. Electricity can give you a very bad shock.

Example: Never play with plugs or wires.

Bathroom Safety: Water Safety: Never leave a child unattended near water, even a small amount.

Example: Always have an adult present when taking a bath.

Slippery Floors: The bathroom floor can be slippery when wet. Be careful not to run or play in the bathroom.

Example: Dry your feet after a bath before walking around.

Medication Safety: Medicines are only for when you are sick and should only be given by an adult. Never take medicine without asking an adult.

Example: If you find tablets, give them to a grown-up immediately.

General Safety: Fire Safety: Know where your family keeps matches and lighters. Never play with them. If there's a fire, tell an adult immediately and know your escape route.

Example: Knowing where the front and back doors are.

Strangers: Never open the door to strangers. Always ask your parents before talking to someone you don't know.

Example: Look through the peephole before opening the door.

Safety at School: School is where we learn and play, so it's important to be safe there too.

Classroom Safety: Sharp Objects: Scissors, pencils, and rulers can be sharp. Use them carefully and only when needed.

Example: Point scissors downwards when walking with them.

Running in the Classroom: Walking is safer than running in the classroom. You could bump into someone or trip.

Example: Always walk to your desk, even if you are late.

Heavy Objects: Ask for help when moving heavy objects like desks or chairs.

Example: Ask your teacher to assist moving a stack of books.

Playground Safety: Using Equipment Properly: Use the swings, slides, and jungle gyms the right way. Don't climb on top of things you shouldn't.

Example: Only swing forwards and backwards, not sideways.

Look Before You Leap: Make sure the area is clear before you jump or swing off equipment.

Example: Check for other children before sliding down the slide.

Staying Within Boundaries: Stay within the playground area and don't go near the road or other unsafe areas.

Example: Don't climb the fence.

General School Safety: Bullying: If someone is bullying you or someone else, tell a teacher or a trusted adult immediately.

Example: Tell your teacher if another child is taking your lunch every day.

Strangers: Never talk to strangers who come onto the school property. Tell a teacher if you see someone you don't know.

Example: Report any unknown adults hanging around the playground.

Following School Rules: School rules are there to keep everyone safe. Always follow them.

Example: Don't run in the hallways.

Safety Signs: Safety signs are pictures or symbols that warn us about dangers. Learning to recognize them will help keep you safe.

No Running Sign: Shows a person running with a line through it. This means you shouldn't run in that area.

Wet Floor Sign: Shows a person slipping. This means the floor is wet and you need to be careful.

First Aid Sign: Shows a white cross on a green background. This shows where you can find help if someone is hurt.

Fire Exit Sign: Shows a person running towards a door. This shows the way out in case of a fire.

Trusted Adults: A trusted adult is someone you can always go to if you need help or feel unsafe. This could be your parents, grandparents, teachers, or another adult you trust. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Thando is playing in the kitchen while his mom is cooking. He wants to stir the pot on the stove. Should he do it? Why or why not?

Solution: No, Thando should not stir the pot on the stove. The stove is hot and could burn him. It's important to stay away from the stove when it's on and to ask an adult for help.

Question 2: Lindiwe sees a bottle of brightly coloured liquid under the sink in the bathroom. She thinks it looks like juice. Should she drink it? Why or why not?

Solution: No, Lindiwe should NOT drink the liquid. It could be cleaning fluid or another dangerous substance. Cleaning products often look appealing to children, but are poisonous.