Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

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

• Identify food groups and their importance.
• Describe daily hygiene practices to prevent germs.
• Plan a healthy, affordable meal with local foods.
• Demonstrate how to wash your hands correctly.
• Explain water safety and proper food storage.

Lesson summary

This week, we'll be focusing on Healthy Eating Habits and Hygiene Practices as part of our Life Skills curriculum. This topic is incredibly important because healthy eating and good hygiene are the foundations of a strong and happy life. In South Africa, access to diverse foods can sometimes be a challenge, and understanding how to make healthy choices with what we have is crucial. Practicing good hygiene helps prevent the spread of illnesses, keeping us and our communities healthy. Learning these skills now will help you make informed choices throughout your life, boosting your energy levels, concentration in class, and overall well-being.

Lesson notes

Healthy Eating Habits: A healthy diet is like building a strong house – you need all the different parts to make it sturdy! A balanced diet means eating foods from all the different food groups: Fruits and Vegetables: These are packed with vitamins and minerals that help your body fight off sickness and grow strong. Think of juicy mangoes, sweet oranges, crunchy carrots, and leafy spinach. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. In South Africa, seasonal fruits and vegetables are often more affordable and readily available.

Grains: Grains give you energy to play, learn, and run around! Examples include bread, pap (maize porridge), rice, and samp. Choose whole grains whenever possible, like brown bread instead of white bread. Whole grains have more fibre, which helps keep your tummy healthy.

Protein: Protein helps build and repair your muscles. Good sources of protein include meat, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, eggs, and dairy products like milk and yogurt. Beans and lentils are great, affordable protein options, especially important in areas where meat is expensive.

Dairy: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth. If you can't drink milk, there are alternatives like fortified soy milk or almond milk.

Fats and Oils: You need some fats for your body to function properly, but it's important to choose healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Avoid eating too many fried foods and sugary snacks.