Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 1

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

• Find dangers at home and school.
• Know how to stay safe from strangers.
• Understand why we follow safety rules.
• Learn how to ask a trusted adult for help.
• Know why it's important to tell someone if you feel unsafe.

Lesson summary

Safety is incredibly important for Grade 1 learners in South Africa. We all want to feel safe and secure, both at home and at school. When we feel safe, we can learn, play, and grow without worrying about getting hurt. This week, we will be learning about how to stay safe in different situations, recognizing potential dangers, and knowing what to do if something feels unsafe. This is important because accidents can happen anywhere, and by learning these skills now, you will be better equipped to protect yourselves and help others. In South Africa, knowing how to respond to emergencies and potential hazards is vital for everyone.

Lesson notes

What Does "Safety" Mean? Safety means being protected from harm or danger. It means being in a place or situation where you are not likely to get hurt or feel scared. It is our responsibility, as well as that of the adults around us, to make sure we are safe.

Safety at Home: Our homes should be safe havens, but there can be hidden dangers. Let’s explore some: Electricity: Electrical sockets can be dangerous. Never stick your fingers or objects into them. If you see a broken wire, tell an adult immediately.

Example: Maria sees a frayed wire on a lamp. She tells her mother right away, preventing a potential electric shock.

Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors, and broken glass can cut you badly. Only use them with adult supervision. Keep them out of reach of small children.

Example: Thabo wants to cut out a picture but knows he needs to ask his older sister for help with the scissors.

Cleaning Products: Bleach, detergents, and other cleaning products are poisonous. Never drink them or play with them. Keep them in a safe place away from children.

Example: Aisha sees a bottle of bleach under the sink. She knows not to touch it and tells her mother about it.

Fire: Fire is very dangerous. Never play with matches or lighters. If there is a fire, tell an adult immediately and leave the house. Know your escape route.

Example: The family practices a fire drill so everyone knows how to get out of the house safely.

Water: Be careful near water. Never play near swimming pools or rivers without an adult. Never leave a young child unattended near water.

Example: Sipho only goes swimming when his father is with him to supervise.

Hot Surfaces: Ovens, stoves, and irons can burn you. Never touch them when they are hot.

Example: Zola knows to stay away from the stove when her grandmother is cooking.

Safety at School: School should also be a safe place for learning and playing.

The Playground: Be careful on the swings, slides, and jungle gyms. Wait your turn and don't push others.

Example: Learners take turns on the slide, making sure everyone is safe and having fun.

Stairs: Walk carefully on the stairs and hold the handrail. Don't run or push others.

Example: Learners walk carefully down the stairs during break time to avoid accidents.

Classroom: Be careful with sharp objects like pencils and rulers. Don't throw things around the classroom.

Example: Learners use pencils carefully during art class and put them away properly afterward.

Strangers: Never talk to strangers or go anywhere with them. If a stranger approaches you, tell a teacher or another trusted adult immediately.

Example: A stranger offers Lindiwe sweets outside the school gate. Lindiwe remembers her lesson and walks away to tell her teacher.

Bullying: Bullying is never okay. If someone is bullying you or someone else, tell a teacher or another trusted adult.

Example: Thando sees another learner being bullied. He tells his teacher so she can help.

Safety From Strangers: A stranger is someone you don't know. It is important to be careful around strangers.

Never talk to strangers: If a stranger approaches you, don't talk to them.

Never go anywhere with a stranger: Even if they offer you sweets or toys.

Never accept anything from a stranger: Sweets, toys, or rides. If a stranger approaches you, run away: Run to a safe place like your home, school, or a store.

Tell a trusted adult: Tell your parents, teachers, or another trusted adult what happened. The "No-Go-Tell" Rule: If a stranger tries to touch you or take you somewhere, shout "No!", run away, and tell a trusted adult.

Safe and Unsafe Touches: Safe Touches: These are touches that make you feel good and comfortable.

Examples: hugs from your parents, high-fives from your friends, and gentle touches from your teachers.

Unsafe Touches: These are touches that make you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused.

Examples: touches on private parts, unwanted hugs or kisses, and hitting or pushing.

Your body belongs to you: You have the right to say "No!" to any touch that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Tell someone you trust: If someone touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell your parents, teachers, or another trusted adult immediately. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name one thing at home that can be dangerous and explain how to be safe around it.

Solution: A stove can be dangerous at home. It can get very hot and burn you. To be safe around the stove, never touch it when it's on or has just been turned off. Always ask an adult for help when you are near the stove.

Commentary: This reinforces the understanding of potential hazards and preventative measures.

Question 2: What should you do if a stranger offers you sweets outside of school?

Solution: You should say "No, thank you," and walk away quickly. Go to a trusted adult, like your teacher, and tell them what happened.

Commentary: This reinforces the "No-Go-Tell" rule and encourages seeking help.