Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 2

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify safety hazards at home or school.
• Explain how to respond to bullying.
• Use 'STOP, THINK, ACT' to solve problems.
• Name two trusted adults you can ask for help.
• Know the difference between safe and unsafe touch.

Lesson summary

This week in Life Skills, we're focusing on keeping ourselves safe and solving problems, which are super important for all Grade 2 learners in South Africa. Being safe means knowing how to avoid danger and protect ourselves. Problem-solving helps us find solutions when things go wrong or when we face challenges. In South Africa, children face various challenges, from navigating busy streets to knowing who to trust. These skills will help you make good choices and stay safe and happy!

Lesson notes

A. What is Safety? Safety means being protected from harm or danger. It's about understanding what can hurt you and how to avoid it. There are many kinds of dangers, like getting hurt in an accident, being bullied, or being approached by someone you don't know. Staying safe involves knowing the rules and being aware of your surroundings.

Examples in South Africa: Road Safety: Walking carefully on the pavements, using pedestrian crossings, and looking both ways before crossing the street, especially in busy areas like Johannesburg or Cape Town. South African roads can be very dangerous.

Home Safety: Knowing not to play with matches or stoves, keeping cleaning products out of reach, and being careful around electricity. Many homes in South Africa use paraffin stoves for cooking and heating, which can be dangerous if not used properly.

Stranger Danger: Never talking to strangers, accepting gifts from them, or going anywhere with them. It's vital to know that sometimes, people who seem friendly might not be safe.

Sun Safety: Wearing a hat and sunscreen when playing outside to protect yourself from the strong South African sun.

B. Problem-Solving: STOP, THINK, ACT Problem-solving is finding a way to deal with a difficult situation. A simple strategy to use is STOP, THINK, ACT: STOP: When you face a problem, the first thing to do is STO

P. Don't panic. Take a deep breath.

THINK: Think about the problem. What happened? What are your options? What could happen if you choose one option over another?

ACT: Choose the best option and do it.

Example: Problem: You are playing with your friend, and they suddenly take your toy and won't give it back.

STOP: Stop playing for a moment and take a breath.

THINK: You have a few options: you can grab the toy back (but that might start a fight), you can tell them nicely to give it back, or you can walk away and tell a teacher or parent.

ACT: You decide to politely ask your friend to give the toy back. If they don't, you will tell a teacher. C. Bullying and How to Respond Bullying is when someone is mean or hurtful to you on purpose and repeatedly. It can be physical (like hitting), verbal (like name-calling), or social (like excluding you from a group). Bullying is never okay, and you have the right to feel safe.

How to Respond to Bullying: Tell a Trusted Adult: This is the most important thing. Tell your teacher, parent, or another adult you trust. They can help you.

Walk Away: Sometimes, the best thing to do is to walk away from the bully. Don't give them the reaction they want.

Be Assertive: In some situations, you can tell the bully firmly to stop. Look them in the eye and say, "Stop it! I don't like that." (Only do this if you feel safe enough to do so).

Remember: It's NOT your fault if you are being bullied.

D. Safe and Unsafe Touch: It's essential to understand the difference between safe and unsafe touch.

Safe Touch: This is touch that makes you feel comfortable and loved, like a hug from your parents or a high-five from a friend.

Unsafe Touch: This is touch that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. It could be someone touching you in a way that makes you feel bad. If someone touches you in a way that makes you feel unsafe, you need to tell a trusted adult immediately.

Private Body Parts: These are the parts of your body that are covered by your underwear. No one should touch these parts except for your parents or a doctor when they are helping you stay healthy and safe. If anyone else touches these parts, it is unsafe touch and you need to tell someone right away.

E. Trusted Adults: Trusted adults are people you can go to for help when you feel unsafe or have a problem. These could be your parents, grandparents, teachers, family friends, or even a religious leader in your community. It is important to have a list of trusted adults that you can rely on. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: You are walking home from school, and a stranger offers you a sweetie and asks you to come with them to see some puppies. What should you do?

Solution: STOP: I stop and think about what is happening. This person is a stranger.

THINK: Strangers can be dangerous. My parents told me never to go with strangers or take things from them.

ACT: I say "No, thank you" politely but firmly and walk away in the opposite direction towards home or a familiar shop. I will tell my parents or teacher about the stranger.

Commentary: This reinforces the "stranger danger" concept and the importance of following pre-established safety rules.

Question 2: You are playing in the kitchen while your mom is cooking. You see a knife on the counter within your reach. What should you do?

Solution: STOP: I see the knife and realize it could be dangerous.

THINK: Knives are sharp and can cut me. I should not touch it.

ACT: I move away from the counter and tell my mom that the knife is there and that I was near it. I will play somewhere else.