Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify safety hazards of the festive season.
• Practice strategies for personal safety.
• Understand responsible decision-making and peer pressure.
• Know what to do in an emergency.
• Learn about online safety during the holidays.

Lesson summary

The festive season, particularly the period around December holidays, is a time filled with excitement, celebrations, and increased opportunities for socializing.

However, it also presents unique challenges to personal safety and wellbeing, especially for young people. This lesson aims to equip Grade 6 learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate the festive season safely and responsibly, enabling them to enjoy the holidays without compromising their health or security.

Lesson notes

A. Potential Festive Season Hazards: The festive season, while joyous, can present increased risks.

These include: Increased Crime: Robberies, burglaries, and petty theft often increase during the holidays, as criminals target homes and individuals with gifts and valuables.

Road Accidents: Higher volumes of traffic, combined with drunk driving, lead to more road accidents.

Drowning: With more time spent at beaches and swimming pools, drowning accidents are a significant concern, particularly for unsupervised children.

Fireworks Injuries: Unsafe handling of fireworks can cause severe burns and injuries.

Food Poisoning: Improper food storage and preparation during festive gatherings can lead to food poisoning.

Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse: The festive season often involves increased social gatherings where young people may face pressure to experiment with alcohol or other substances.

Online Dangers: Increased online activity for communication and entertainment can expose children to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.

B. Strategies for Promoting Personal Safety: Home Safety: Ensure doors and windows are securely locked. Do not open the door to strangers. Inform your parents or guardians of your whereabouts when leaving the house. Be aware of your surroundings when walking or playing outside. Avoid displaying expensive items where they can be seen from the outside.

Example: Instead of leaving a new game console box near the window, store it out of sight.

Road Safety: Always wear a seatbelt when travelling in a car. Look both ways before crossing the road. Walk on the pavement or designated walkways. Never accept a ride from someone you don't know.

Example: When walking to the shop, make sure to use the pedestrian crossing even if it's slightly further away.

Water Safety: Always swim with a buddy and under adult supervision. Learn to swim. Be aware of the water depth and potential hazards. Never dive into unknown waters.

Example: If swimming at the beach, stay within the designated swimming areas and listen to the lifeguards.

Fireworks Safety: Only adults should handle fireworks. Keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby. Light fireworks in a clear, open area away from buildings and people. Never point fireworks at another person.

Example: If you see someone playing with fireworks unsupervised, tell a responsible adult immediately.

Food Safety: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. Store food properly to prevent spoilage. Ensure food is cooked thoroughly. Avoid eating food that looks or smells suspicious.

Example: When preparing a sandwich, always wash your hands with soap and water first.

C. Responsible Decision-Making and Peer Pressure: Understanding Peer Pressure: Peer pressure is the influence of people of your own age to do something that you may not want to do.

Saying No: It's okay to say no to activities or substances that make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Finding Alternatives: Suggest alternative activities that are safe and enjoyable.

Seeking Help: Talk to a trusted adult (parent, teacher, relative) if you are struggling with peer pressure.

Example: If your friends are pressuring you to drink alcohol, calmly explain that you are not comfortable with it and suggest playing a game instead.

D. Emergency Situations and Actions: Fire: Evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department (10177 or 112).

Accident: Call for medical assistance (10177 or 112) and provide first aid if you are trained.

Drowning: Call for help and attempt to rescue the person using a flotation device if you are trained.

Crime: Call the police (10111) and provide details about the incident.

Example: If you witness a car accident, remember the location, call 10177, and stay at the scene until help arrives, if it's safe to do so.

E. Online Safety: Privacy Settings: Adjust your privacy settings on social media to control who can see your posts and information.

Stranger Danger: Never share personal information (address, phone number, school name) with strangers online.

Cyberbullying: If you are being cyberbullied, tell a trusted adult and report the bullying to the platform.

Inappropriate Content: Avoid accessing or sharing inappropriate content online.

Example: Before posting a photo on social media, check your privacy settings to make sure only your friends can see it. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sarah's friends are going to a party where there will be older teenagers drinking alcohol. They are pressuring her to go. What should Sarah do?

Solution: Sarah should say "no" to going to the party. She can explain to her friends that she doesn't feel comfortable being around alcohol and that it's illegal for underage individuals to drink. She can suggest an alternative activity, such as watching a movie or playing a game at someone's house. If the pressure continues, Sarah should talk to a trusted adult, such as her parents or a teacher, for support.