Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Show kindness and helpfulness in at least three ways.
• Recognise and name how others are feeling.
• Share and take turns when we play in a group.
• Explain why being kind and helpful is important.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be learning about the importance of being kind and helpful to others, and how it makes us feel good. We'll explore how our actions affect those around us. In South Africa, Ubuntu, the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity, is very important. Learning about how to treat others well from a young age helps us build stronger communities and a kinder society, reflecting the spirit of Ubuntu. Imagine helping an older person carry groceries or playing fairly with friends - these simple acts of kindness build a better South Africa for everyone.

Lesson notes

This week focuses on building the foundation for empathy, kindness, and cooperative play - all essential for personal and social well-being.

Kindness: Kindness means being friendly, generous, and considerate to others. It's about doing things that make others happy and feel good about themselves. Examples of kindness include sharing toys, saying nice things, helping someone who is hurt, or offering to help with a chore. In the South African context, kindness extends to respecting elders ("Ous" and "Tannies") and helping those less fortunate.

Helpfulness: Helpfulness means offering your assistance to others who need it. This could be helping a friend pick up their toys, assisting a parent with a simple task, or helping a classmate who is struggling with an activity. Think about children in many South African homes helping with chores; that's a demonstration of helpfulness.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's about putting yourself in their shoes and trying to imagine how they are feeling. For example, if a friend is crying because they fell, empathy is understanding that they are sad and hurt. We can show empathy by comforting them or helping them feel better. It involves recognizing and naming emotions in ourselves and others.

Sharing: Sharing means letting others use your things or participate in your activities. It's about being fair and considerate and making sure everyone has a chance to enjoy themselves. Sharing is essential for cooperative play and building positive relationships. In many South African communities, ubuntu emphasizes communal sharing and helping each other.

Taking Turns: Taking turns means waiting your turn to do something or use something. It is an important skill for playing games and participating in group activities. Taking turns helps us learn patience and respect for others. Worked

Examples: Example 1 (Kindness): Lerato sees her friend Thando struggling to tie his shoelaces. Lerato walks over and offers to help Thando tie his laces. This is an act of kindness because Lerato is helping Thando with something he is finding difficult.

Example 2 (Empathy): Sipho's friend, Aisha, looks sad because her sandcastle was washed away by a wave at the beach. Sipho puts his arm around Aisha and says, "I'm sorry your sandcastle broke. It must be disappointing." Sipho is showing empathy because he understands Aisha's sadness and acknowledges her feelings.

Example 3 (Sharing): Zola brings her crayons to school, but her friend David forgot his. Zola offers to share her crayons with David so he can also draw a picture. Zola is showing the importance of sharing. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sarah sees a new learner in her class sitting alone at break time. What could Sarah do to show kindness?

Solution: Sarah could go over and introduce herself to the new learner, ask them their name, and invite them to play with her and her friends. This shows kindness by making the new learner feel welcome and included.

Question 2: Your friend loses a game. They start to cry. What emotion are they feeling? How could you show empathy?

Solution: They are feeling sadness or disappointment. You could show empathy by saying something like, "I know it's disappointing to lose. It's okay to feel sad. We can play again later!" Question 3: During a group drawing activity, there is only one blue crayon. What could you do to ensure everyone gets a turn to use the blue crayon?

Solution: You could suggest taking turns with the blue crayon. You could say, "Let's each use the blue crayon for a little bit and then pass it to the next person." This encourages sharing and taking turns.

Question 4: You are helping your mother unpack groceries. Your brother wants to play with you. Describe the importance of finishing unpacking groceries.

Solution: You could say, "I am helping Mummy with the groceries. It is important to put them away, so the food doesn't get spoiled. We can play once I have finished helping." Independent Practice (Questions Only) You see a classmate drop their lunchbox. What do you do? Your friend tells you that they are scared of the dark. How can you show empathy? During playtime, there is only one swing available. How can you and your friends ensure everyone gets a turn? Your teacher asks for a volunteer to help tidy up the classroom. What do you do? You accidentally bump into someone and they fall. What do you do? Your friend forgets their pencil. What could you do to help? You see someone being excluded from a game. What could you do? It’s your turn to choose the game to play, but your friend wants to play a different game. What do you do? Your younger sibling is struggling to build a tower of blocks. How can you help them? You notice that a classmate looks upset because they did not receive a sticker from the teacher. What could you do?