Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade R

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Name three personal hygiene practices.
• Choose healthy foods and snacks.
• Show how to be safe on the road.
• Understand 'stranger danger'.
• Name four basic emotions.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be revisiting and strengthening the Life Skills topics we've covered so far in Grade R. Revision is essential because it helps us remember what we've learned and understand it even better. This is especially important in Life Skills, as these skills are needed every day at home, at school, and in our communities. Revising helps us be more confident, responsible, and caring individuals, which are all qualities important for being good citizens of South Africa. This week's focus will be on personal hygiene, healthy eating, safety (specifically road safety and stranger danger), and expressing emotions.

Lesson notes

A. Personal Hygiene: Personal hygiene means keeping our bodies clean. This helps us stay healthy and prevents germs from spreading. In South Africa, good hygiene is very important to prevent illnesses like colds, flu, and other diseases that can spread quickly, especially in crowded areas or in schools.

Handwashing: Washing our hands properly with soap and water is the most important hygiene habit. We should wash our hands before eating, after using the toilet, after playing outside, and after touching anything dirty. Teach learners to use the "happy birthday" song method, washing for at least 20 seconds.

Why: Handwashing removes germs that can make us sick.

How: Wet your hands with water, apply soap, rub your hands together, scrub all surfaces including the back of your hands and between your fingers, rinse with water, and dry with a clean towel.

Brushing Teeth: Brushing our teeth twice a day (morning and night) keeps our teeth healthy and strong. In many parts of South Africa, dental care can be difficult to access, making daily oral hygiene even more crucial.

Why: Brushing removes food particles and plaque that can cause cavities and gum disease.

How: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste, brush all surfaces of your teeth in small circles, spit out the toothpaste, and rinse your mouth.

Bathing/Showering: Bathing or showering regularly keeps our bodies clean and fresh.

Why: Removes dirt, sweat, and germs from our skin.

How: Use soap and water, wash all parts of your body, and rinse thoroughly.

Keeping Hair Clean: Washing our hair regularly prevents it from becoming oily and dirty.

Why: Prevents build-up of dirt and oils that can attract germs and insects.

How: Wet your hair, apply shampoo, massage into your scalp, rinse with water, and repeat if necessary.

B. Healthy Eating: Eating healthy food helps our bodies grow strong and stay healthy. In South Africa, it's important to choose a variety of foods to get all the nutrients we need.

Fruits and Vegetables: These are full of vitamins and minerals that help our bodies fight off sickness. Examples include apples, bananas, oranges, spinach, carrots, and tomatoes.

Why: Provide essential nutrients for growth and development.

Examples: Eating an apple as a snack or having carrots with lunch.

Grains: Provide energy for our bodies. Examples include bread, rice, and maize meal (pap).

Why: Provide carbohydrates for energy.

Examples: Eating pap for breakfast or a sandwich for lunch.

Protein: Helps build and repair our bodies. Examples include meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, and lentils.

Why: Helps build and repair muscles and tissues.

Examples: Eating chicken with vegetables for dinner or beans with rice for lunch.

Limiting Sugary Drinks and Snacks: These can make us unhealthy. Examples include sweets, chips, and sugary drinks like fizzy drinks.

Why: Too much sugar can lead to health problems like tooth decay and weight gain.

Instead of: Instead of a fizzy drink, have water or unsweetened juice. Instead of sweets, have a piece of fruit.

C. Safety (Road Safety and Stranger Danger): Staying safe is important for protecting ourselves from harm.

Road Safety: Always hold an adult's hand when crossing the road. This is especially important in busy South African streets where cars, taxis, and buses are common. Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the road. Teach learners to check carefully for oncoming traffic. Walk on the pavement, away from the road. This keeps us safe from cars. Obey traffic signals (robot). Red means stop, green means go.

Stranger Danger: A stranger is someone you don't know. Never go anywhere with a stranger. Even if they offer you sweets, toys, or a ride home. Never take anything from a stranger. If a stranger approaches you, say "No!", run away, and tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, police officer). It's important for children to understand they have the right to say no and to seek help. Teach learners about safe adults they can trust in their community. This might include teachers, police officers, or shopkeepers.

D. Expressing Emotions: Understanding and expressing our feelings in a healthy way is important for our well-being.

Happy: When we feel good and joyful. We might smile, laugh, and want to play.

Sad: When we feel down or upset. We might cry or feel quiet.

Angry: When we feel frustrated or upset. We might shout or feel like hitting someone.

Scared: When we feel afraid. We might tremble or want to hide. It's okay to feel all these emotions. The important thing is to express them in a safe and healthy way. For example, if you feel angry, you can talk to a trusted adult or do something calming like drawing or playing quietly. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Thando wants to eat a snack.

Which is the healthier choice: a packet of chips or an apple? Why?

Solution: The apple is the healthier choice. Chips have a lot of salt and fat, which aren't good for our bodies.