Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify different food groups and give examples.
• Explain why and how to wash your hands properly.
• Describe how healthy food helps our body and mind.
• Identify the importance of regular exercise.

Lesson summary

This week, we will explore the importance of healthy eating and hygiene practices. In South Africa, access to nutritious food and clean water can be a challenge for some communities. Understanding how to make healthy choices and maintain good hygiene helps us grow strong, stay healthy, and prevent the spread of germs that can make us sick. By learning about these things, we can take care of ourselves and contribute to a healthier community. We will discuss making balanced meal choices, understanding food groups, and practicing essential hygiene habits.

Lesson notes

Healthy Eating: Eating healthy means choosing foods that give our bodies the energy and nutrients they need to grow, play, and learn. A balanced diet includes foods from different food groups.

Food Groups: Fruits and Vegetables: These provide vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Examples include apples, bananas, oranges, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes. In South Africa, common fruits and vegetables include mangoes, papayas, mealies (corn), and butternut squash. Fibre is important for keeping our digestive system healthy and preventing constipation.

Grains (Carbohydrates): These give us energy. Examples include bread, rice, pasta, and mealie meal (pap). Whole grains are a healthier option than refined grains. In South Africa, mealie meal is a staple food and a good source of carbohydrates.

Protein: Protein helps build and repair our body tissues. Examples include meat, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, eggs, and nuts. In South Africa, biltong (dried meat) is a popular high-protein snack, but it's important to eat it in moderation due to its salt content. Beans and lentils are affordable and healthy protein sources, especially for families who cannot afford meat regularly.

Dairy (or Alternatives): Dairy provides calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. Examples include milk, cheese, and yoghurt. If you are lactose intolerant or prefer not to consume dairy, calcium-fortified plant-based milk alternatives like soy milk or almond milk are good options.

Fats and Oils: We need some healthy fats for energy and to help our bodies absorb vitamins. Examples include avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

However, it's important to eat fats in moderation, especially unhealthy fats like those found in fried foods and processed snacks. Why is Healthy Eating Important?

Healthy eating helps us: Grow strong and healthy. Have energy to play and learn. Concentrate better in class. Prevent illness.

Example of a Healthy Meal: A balanced lunch could include: A sandwich made with whole-wheat bread (grain) filled with chicken or cheese (protein) and lettuce and tomato (vegetables). An apple (fruit). A small container of yoghurt (dairy).

Hygiene Practices: Hygiene is about keeping ourselves and our surroundings clean to prevent the spread of germs.

Hand Washing: This is one of the most important hygiene practices.

We should wash our hands: Before eating. After using the toilet. After playing outside. After touching animals. When our hands are dirty.

How to Wash Hands Properly: Wet your hands with clean running water. Apply soap. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. You can sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice to make sure you wash for long enough. Rinse your hands well under running water. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

Other Important Hygiene Practices: Bathing or showering regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day. Keeping your fingernails clean and trimmed. Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Using a clean tissue and throwing it away properly after blowing your nose. Keeping our surroundings clean (e.g., cleaning up spills, throwing away trash). Why is Hygiene Important? Prevents the spread of germs and illnesses. Keeps us healthy and feeling good. Helps us make a good impression on others. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name one food from each of the following food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, and Protein.

Solution: Fruits: Banana Vegetables: Carrot Grains: Bread Protein: Chicken

Commentary: This question tests the learner's understanding of the different food groups and their ability to provide examples of foods that belong to each group.

Question 2: When should you wash your hands? Give at least three examples.

Solution: Before eating. After using the toilet. After playing outside.

Commentary: This question reinforces the importance of hand-washing at critical times to prevent the spread of germs.

Question 3: Sanele eats only chips and sweets every day. Explain why this is not a healthy eating habit.

Solution: Sanele's diet is not healthy because chips and sweets are high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, but low in essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre. He is missing out on important nutrients from fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, which he needs to grow strong and healthy. Eating too much junk food can lead to health problems like weight gain and tooth decay.

Commentary: This question encourages critical thinking about the consequences of unhealthy eating habits. Independent Practice (Questions Only) List five different fruits and vegetables you enjoy eating. Explain why it is important to eat a variety of foods from different food groups. Describe the steps you would take to wash your hands properly. What are some things you can do to keep your classroom clean and tidy? Thando feels tired all the time and gets sick easily.