Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify safety hazards in different places.
• Know how to stay safe when walking.
• Understand the importance of saying 'no' to strangers.
• Learn what to do when you feel unsafe.
• Name trusted adults you can ask for help.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be focusing on Personal Safety, specifically how to stay safe in different environments and situations. Personal safety is extremely important for all Grade 4 learners in South Africa. Knowing how to protect yourself can prevent accidents, injuries, and even more serious situations like being taken advantage of by others. We will explore practical ways to avoid dangerous situations and what to do if you find yourself in one. This knowledge empowers you to make smart choices and live a safer, happier life, contributing positively to your community and your own well-being.

Lesson notes

What is Personal Safety? Personal safety means taking steps to protect yourself from harm, danger, or any situation that could make you feel uncomfortable or threatened. It's about being aware of your surroundings and making smart choices to keep yourself safe.

Safety at Home: Your home should be a safe place, but accidents can still happen.

Fire Safety: Never play with matches or lighters. If there's a fire, get out of the house immediately and call for help from a safe place (like a neighbour's house). Make sure your family has a fire evacuation plan and that you know where the exits are. Many houses in townships may not have working smoke detectors, so make sure your family has a plan.

Electrical Safety: Don't touch electrical outlets or appliances with wet hands. Be careful with extension cords and don't overload them. Electricity is dangerous!

Poison Safety: Keep cleaning products, medicines, and other dangerous substances locked away and out of reach of children. Never taste anything unless an adult tells you it's safe.

Sharp Objects: Be careful with knives, scissors, and other sharp objects. Always use them with adult supervision. If you cut yourself, tell an adult immediately.

Example: Imagine you are helping your mom in the kitchen and she asks you to get a cleaning spray. If you can't reach it easily, don't climb on a chair. Ask an adult for help.

Safety at School: School is usually a safe place, but it's still important to be aware of your surroundings.

Bullying: If you're being bullied, tell a teacher or another trusted adult. Bullying is never okay.

Playing Safely: Be careful when playing on the playground or during sports activities. Follow the rules and be aware of other players.

Strangers: Never talk to strangers or go with them anywhere. If a stranger approaches you, walk away and tell a teacher or another trusted adult.

Example: If someone at school is constantly teasing you and making you feel bad, that's bullying. Tell a teacher or a parent right away. Don't keep it a secret. Safety in Public (Streets, Parks, Shopping Centres): Being aware of your surroundings is extremely important when you are in public.

Walking Alone: Try to avoid walking alone, especially at night. Walk with a friend or family member. Stick to well-lit streets and avoid shortcuts through dark or deserted areas. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

Strangers: Never talk to strangers or accept anything from them. If a stranger offers you a ride, say "no" and walk away.

Getting Lost: If you get lost, stay where you are and ask a police officer or another trusted adult for help. Know your address and phone number.

Reporting Suspicious Activity: If you see something that doesn't seem right, tell an adult. For example, if you see someone acting strangely or following you, tell someone.

Example: You are walking home from school and a car pulls up next to you. The driver, whom you don't know, asks if you need a ride. You should say "no thank you" and walk away quickly. Don't engage in conversation. Saying "No" and Trusting Your Gut: It's important to learn how to say "no" to situations that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Your "gut feeling" or intuition is important. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Unwanted Attention: If someone is making you feel uncomfortable by touching you or saying things that make you uneasy, tell them to stop. If they don't stop, tell an adult.

Unsafe Situations: If someone asks you to do something that feels wrong, like keeping a secret or going somewhere you're not supposed to, say "no" and tell an adult.

Example: Your older cousin asks you to keep a secret about something they did. If it makes you uncomfortable, you should tell a trusted adult, even if your cousin tells you not to. Your safety and well-being are more important than keeping a secret.

Trusted Adults: Identify trusted adults you can turn to for help and support. This could include parents, grandparents, teachers, relatives, neighbours, or community leaders. Make a list of at least three trusted adults and their contact information.

Example: Your trusted adults could be your mom, your Grade 4 teacher, and your grandmother. Know their phone numbers so you can contact them if you need help. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Thando is walking home from school with her friend. A stranger offers them sweets from his car. What should Thando and her friend do?

Solution: Thando and her friend should politely decline the sweets and walk away quickly. They should not engage in conversation with the stranger. They should then report the incident to a trusted adult, such as a parent or teacher. It's important to remember that strangers may not always have good intentions, and accepting things from them can be dangerous.

Question 2: Sipho is playing in his backyard. He finds a bottle of liquid that smells strange and looks colourful. What should Sipho do?