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

• Name at least four different feelings (happy, sad, angry, scared).
• Describe what might cause each of those feelings.
• Show how to express a feeling in a good way.
• Name two qualities of a good friend.
• Explain how you can be a good friend to others.

Lesson summary

This week in Life Skills, we will be exploring our feelings and the importance of friendships. Understanding our feelings helps us manage them better and communicate effectively with others. Making and keeping friends makes us feel happy and supported. This is particularly important for young South African learners, as strong friendships can help overcome challenges they might face at home, at school, or in their communities. Learning how to identify and express emotions appropriately is key to developing emotional intelligence, which will positively influence their interactions and overall well-being throughout their lives.

Lesson notes

What are Feelings? Feelings are the different emotions we experience inside. They are our reactions to things that happen around us or inside us. We can feel happy, sad, angry, scared, excited, and many other things! It's important to know what we are feeling so we can understand ourselves and how we react to different situations.

Happy: When we feel happy, we smile, laugh, and feel good inside. Maybe you feel happy when you play with your toys, eat your favorite food, or spend time with your family and friends. For example, Thando feels happy when she plays netball with her friends after school.

Sad: When we feel sad, we might cry, feel quiet, or not want to play. You might feel sad if you lose a toy, someone says something mean, or you miss your family. For example, Sipho feels sad when his grandmother who lives far away calls, because he misses her.

Angry: When we feel angry, we might want to shout, stomp our feet, or clench our fists. Anger can come from being treated unfairly, when someone takes your things without asking, or when you don't get your way. For example, Aisha feels angry when her brother breaks her crayon.

Scared: When we feel scared, we might want to hide, cling to someone, or tremble. Feeling scared is normal when facing something new, like a thunderstorm, a big dog, or starting at a new school. For example, Bongani feels scared of the dark.

Excited: When we feel excited, we might jump up and down, clap our hands, and talk really fast. Excitement is often felt before special events, like a birthday party or a school trip. For example, Zanele feels excited for the school outing to the farm.

How to Express Feelings: It’s important to express feelings in a healthy way. We don’t want to hurt ourselves or others.

Talking: You can talk to a trusted adult like your mom, dad, teacher, or older sibling about how you are feeling. This helps them understand and can give you good advice.

Drawing: Drawing pictures can help you show how you feel, especially if you find it hard to talk. You can draw a happy face if you're happy, or a stormy cloud if you're angry.

Playing: Playing games or singing songs can also help you express your feelings.

Writing: If you can write, you can write down how you feel in a journal. What is a Friend? A friend is someone who likes to spend time with you, cares about you, and helps you when you need it. Friends play together, share secrets, and make each other laugh. Friends are like family we choose.

Qualities of a Good Friend: Kindness: Good friends are kind and treat others with respect. They don't say mean things or leave people out.

Sharing: Good friends share their toys, snacks, and ideas. They understand that sharing makes everyone happy.

Honesty: Good friends tell the truth, even when it's hard. Honesty builds trust.

Listening: Good friends listen when you talk and care about what you have to say. They pay attention and ask questions.

Helpfulness: Good friends help you when you need it, whether it's with your homework, building a sandcastle, or cheering you up when you're sad.

How to Be a Good Friend: Be kind to others. Share your things. Listen when your friends talk. Help your friends when they need it. Don't leave anyone out. Be honest. Examples of Friendship in a South African Context: Playing games like Diketo or Kgati with friends in the schoolyard. Sharing a lunchbox with a friend who doesn't have enough to eat. Helping a friend who is struggling with their Zulu vocabulary. Standing up for a friend who is being bullied. Visiting a friend who is sick. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Thabo's favorite toy truck breaks. How do you think Thabo feels?

Solution: Thabo probably feels sad. He loved his toy truck, and now it's broken.

Commentary: This question reinforces the association between a sad event and the feeling of sadness. It encourages the learner to empathize with Thabo's situation.

Question 2: Maria gets a big, juicy watermelon from her grandmother. How do you think Maria feels?

Solution: Maria probably feels happy and excited. Getting a special treat from her grandmother is something that would make her smile and maybe jump up and down.

Commentary: This question reinforces the link between a positive event and happy/excited emotions. It helps children visualize a positive scenario.

Question 3: Sipho sees a big spider crawling on his desk. How do you think Sipho feels? What can Sipho do?

Solution: Sipho probably feels scared. Spiders can be frightening. Sipho can tell his teacher to help him with the spider.

Commentary: This question combines identifying a feeling with a practical response to a situation. It reinforces the idea of seeking help from a trusted adult.

Question 4: Nomusa's friend, Lindiwe, is crying because she lost her pencil. What can Nomusa do to be a good friend?

Solution: Nomusa can offer Lindiwe another pencil, or help Lindiwe look for her pencil. Nomusa can also comfort Lindiwe by saying kind words.