Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5
Life Skills Topic for Term 3, Week 6
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Life Skills Topic for Term 3, Week 6
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Life Skills
Class: Grade 5
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 6
Theme: General lesson support
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This week, we'll be discussing a very important topic: substance abuse. This means learning about the dangers of using alcohol, tobacco (like cigarettes and snuff), and other drugs. This is crucial for Grade 5 learners in South Africa because understanding these risks can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Sadly, substance abuse affects many communities across South Africa, leading to health problems, family issues, and crime. Knowing the facts empowers you to protect yourselves and your communities. It also aligns with the CAPS curriculum’s focus on promoting healthy living and responsible citizenship.
What is Substance Abuse? Substance abuse is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Psychoactive substances are substances that affect your brain and can change your mood, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. It can lead to dependence, which is a physical or psychological need to use the substance. Commonly Abused Substances in South Africa: Alcohol: Beer, wine, spirits (like brandy, whisky, and gin) are all alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is often consumed at social gatherings.
Tobacco: Cigarettes, snuff, and pipe tobacco. Many people start smoking or using snuff because of social pressure.
Cannabis (Dagga/Marijuana): An illegal drug that affects the mind and body. It’s often smoked or sometimes baked into food.
Methamphetamine (Tik): A very dangerous and highly addictive stimulant drug. It is often smoked, injected, or snorted. It's a significant problem in many South African communities.
Over-the-counter and Prescription Drugs: Some people misuse medications like pain relievers or cough syrups. Dangers of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs: Alcohol: Short-term effects: Impaired judgment: Making poor decisions, like driving under the influence.
Slowed reaction time: Difficulty reacting quickly in dangerous situations.
Loss of coordination: Stumbling, falling, and difficulty walking.
Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick and throwing up.
Alcohol poisoning: In severe cases, can lead to coma or death.
Long-term effects: Liver damage (cirrhosis): Scarring of the liver, which can lead to liver failure.
Heart problems: Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Brain damage: Memory problems and difficulty learning.
Cancer: Increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon.
Alcohol dependence (alcoholism): Addiction to alcohol.
Tobacco: Short-term effects: Bad breath: Unpleasant smell on the breath.
Yellow teeth: Staining of teeth.
Coughing: Irritation of the lungs.
Reduced stamina: Difficulty breathing during physical activity.
Long-term effects: Lung cancer: The most common cause of cancer death.
Heart disease: Increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Emphysema: Damage to the air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Chronic bronchitis: Inflammation of the airways in the lungs, causing coughing and wheezing.
Other cancers: Increased risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, and pancreas.
Addiction: Nicotine is highly addictive. Drugs (Cannabis, Tik, etc.): Short-term effects: Altered perception: Distorted sense of time, space, and reality.
Increased heart rate: Faster heartbeat.
Anxiety and paranoia: Feeling worried, scared, or suspicious.
Memory problems: Difficulty remembering things.
Impaired judgment: Making poor decisions.
Long-term effects: Mental health problems: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Brain damage: Changes in brain structure and function.
Lung problems (with smoked drugs): Similar to the effects of smoking tobacco.
Addiction: Dependence on the drug.
Social problems: Difficulty maintaining relationships and holding down a job.
Legal problems: Arrest and imprisonment.
Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is the influence from people in your age group to behave in a certain way. This can be positive (encouraging you to study hard) or negative (encouraging you to try drugs or alcohol). Strategies for Resisting Negative Peer Pressure: Say "No" confidently: Practice saying "No, thanks. I'm not interested" firmly and clearly.
Suggest an alternative: Offer a different activity, like playing a game, going for a walk, or watching a movie. Hang out with friends who don't use drugs or alcohol: Choose friends who have similar values and healthy habits.
Walk away: If you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation.
Blame it on your parents/guardians: Say your parents/guardians have forbidden it, and you don't want to get in trouble.
Seeking Help: If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to seek help from a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, counselor, or religious leader. There are also organizations that can provide support and treatment.
Legal Implications: In South Africa, the use, possession, and sale of certain drugs, like cannabis (with certain exceptions), is illegal. Young people who are caught using or selling drugs can face serious legal consequences, including arrest, fines, and imprisonment. Drinking alcohol under the legal drinking age of 18 is also illegal.
Scenario: Your friend offers you a cigarette at school. How would you respond?
Solution: Say "No, thanks. I don't smoke. It's bad for my health." You could also suggest playing a soccer game instead. This shows you are confident in your decision and offers a positive alternative.
Scenario: You see an older student smoking tik behind the school building. What should you do?
Solution: Do not approach them. Report it to a trusted adult, like a teacher or principal. Tik is very dangerous, and you shouldn't put yourself at risk.
Scenario: Your cousin offers you a sip of their beer at a family braai. How should you respond?
Solution: Say "No, thank you. I am not allowed to drink alcohol because I am too young, and it is illegal." This is a polite but firm refusal.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Question: Sipho's friends are pressuring him to try smoking dagga (cannabis). What are two strategies Sipho can use to resist this peer pressure?
Solution:
Strategy 1: Suggest an alternative activity. Sipho could say, "No, I'm not into that. Let's rather go play soccer at the park."
Strategy 2: Walk away. If the pressure continues, Sipho can simply say, "I have to go," and leave the situation.
Commentary: These strategies empower Sipho to avoid the situation without directly confronting his friends aggressively, which might make things awkward.
Question: Name two short-term effects and two long-term effects of drinking alcohol.
Solution:
Short-term effects: Impaired judgment and slowed reaction time.
Long-term effects: Liver damage and increased risk of heart problems.
Commentary: It's important to remember both the immediate and lasting consequences to fully understand the dangers of alcohol.
Question: Why is it important to seek help from a trusted adult if you know someone who is struggling with substance abuse?
Solution: A trusted adult can provide support, guidance, and access to professional help. Substance abuse is a serious issue, and it's often difficult to overcome it alone. Adults have the experience and resources to assist.
Commentary: Reinforces the importance of not being afraid to ask for help, highlighting that professional help is often necessary for effective intervention.
Question: Thandi’s older brother smokes cigarettes. What are two potential long-term health problems he faces?
Solution:
Long-term health problems: Lung cancer and heart disease.
Commentary: By focusing on specific health problems associated with cigarette smoking, Thandi can understand the risks her brother is taking.
Independent Practice (Questions Only)
Define "substance abuse" in your own words.
Name three commonly abused substances in South Africa.
Explain three ways that drugs can negatively affect a person's life (not just their health).
What are two reasons why young people might start using drugs or alcohol?
Your friend is trying to convince you to skip school and smoke dagga with them. Write down three things you could say to resist this peer pressure.
Why is it illegal for people under the age of 18 to drink alcohol in South Africa?
What are the dangers of using Tik? Give at least three examples.
What are the long-term health consequences of using snuff?
If you saw someone selling drugs near your school, what would you do?
Explain the difference between a short-term and long-term effect of substance abuse.