Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify safety hazards at home and find solutions.
• Describe how to stay safe when walking or playing outside.
• Know how and why to report suspicious activities.
• Tell the difference between trusted and untrusted adults.
• Understand how to secure your belongings.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on Safety and Security at Home and in the Community. In South Africa, ensuring personal safety and the security of our belongings is incredibly important due to prevalent crime rates and social challenges. This lesson aims to equip learners with practical knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their property, contributing to a safer environment for themselves and their community. Understanding these principles will empower them to make informed decisions and be more vigilant, reducing their vulnerability to potential threats. This knowledge is directly applicable to their daily lives, from walking to school to interacting with others in their neighbourhood.

Lesson notes

Safety at Home: Our homes should be safe havens, but unfortunately, accidents and even criminal activity can occur.

Common hazards include: Fire Hazards: Faulty electrical wiring, unattended cooking, and flammable materials (like petrol or paraffin) can cause devastating fires.

Solutions include: Regularly checking electrical appliances and wiring. Never leaving cooking unattended. Storing flammable materials safely, away from heat sources and out of reach of children. Having a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand readily available. Knowing the emergency contact numbers for fire services. (For example, 10177)

Poisoning: Cleaning products, medicines, and pesticides can be poisonous if ingested.

Solutions include: Storing these items in locked cabinets or high shelves, out of reach of children. Clearly labeling all containers. Never mixing cleaning products. Knowing the emergency contact number for poison control (ask your local clinic for their number).

Falls: Slippery floors, loose rugs, and cluttered walkways can lead to falls.

Solutions include: Keeping floors clean and dry. Securing rugs with non-slip pads. Keeping walkways clear of clutter. Using handrails on stairs.

Burglary: Homes can be targeted by burglars.

Solutions include: Keeping doors and windows locked, even when at home. Installing burglar bars and security systems. Having good lighting around the property. Being aware of your surroundings and reporting suspicious activity. Not advertising when you are going on holiday.

Example 1: Sipho notices a frayed electrical cord on his mother's iron. He knows this is a fire hazard. What should he do?

Solution: Sipho should immediately tell his mother or another trusted adult about the frayed cord. He should NOT attempt to fix it himself. The adult can then unplug the iron and have it repaired or replaced by a qualified electrician.

Safety in the Community: The community includes our streets, parks, schools, and shopping centers. It's essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Walking Safely: Walk in groups whenever possible. Stick to well-lit, busy streets. Avoid walking alone at night. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like using your phone while walking. Do not display expensive jewellery or electronic devices. Do not take shortcuts through deserted areas.

Playing Safely: Play in designated areas like parks or playgrounds. Avoid playing near busy roads or construction sites. Never talk to strangers or accept rides from them. Tell a trusted adult where you are going and when you will be back.

Reporting Suspicious Activity: If you see someone acting suspiciously (e.g., loitering, watching houses, trying to enter properties), report it to a trusted adult or the police. Remember details about the person's appearance, clothing, and any vehicles involved. Do not approach the person yourself. Trusted vs.

Untrusted Adults: Trusted adults are people you know and trust, such as parents, grandparents, teachers, relatives, and neighbours you know well. Untrusted adults are strangers or people you don't know well. If you need help, always seek it from a trusted adult. Never go anywhere with a stranger or accept anything from them.

Example 2: Thandi is walking home from school and a stranger offers her a ride. What should she do?

Solution: Thandi should politely decline the ride and continue walking. She should not engage in conversation with the stranger. If the stranger persists, she should run to a safe place, such as a shop or a neighbour's house, and tell a trusted adult what happened.

Securing Belongings: Preventing theft and vandalism is part of creating a safe environment. Keep valuables out of sight. Lock bicycles and other items securely. Report any incidents of theft or vandalism to the police. Participate in neighbourhood watch programs. Do not leave valuable items unattended in public spaces.

Example 3: Mandla wants to go play soccer at the park. He wants to take his new soccer ball, but he's worried about it getting stolen. What can he do?

Solution: Mandla can ask a trusted adult to watch his soccer ball while he plays. If that's not possible, he could try to keep the ball within his sight at all times or bring an older sibling or friend with him who can help keep an eye on it. He should never leave it unattended on the field while he goes to the bathroom or gets a drink. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: List two potential fire hazards in your home and suggest one solution for each.

Solution: Hazard: Leaving a stove unattended while cooking.

Solution: Never leave the stove unattended while cooking. Set a timer or ask someone to watch the food.

Hazard: Overloading electrical outlets with too many plugs.

Solution: Use power strips with surge protectors to prevent overloading and reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Question 2: Imagine you are walking home from school and notice someone following you. What should you do?