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

• State their full name, age, and either their address or a parent's/guardian's phone number.
• Identify and name at least five main body parts (e.g., head, arms, legs, eyes, mouth) on themselves or a picture.
• Describe at least two ways to keep their body clean and healthy (e.g., washing hands, brushing teeth).
• Differentiate between a safe and an unsafe situation through given examples.
• Verbally explain that their body is their own and demonstrate knowledge of the 'Say NO, Run Away, Tell' safety rule regarding unwanted touch.

Lesson summary

Overview This lesson serves as a vital revision and consolidation of the foundational Life Skills concepts covered in the first term. For Grade 1 learners in South Africa, these skills are not merely academic; they are the building blocks for personal identity, health, and safety within their unique communities.

The lesson revisits three core areas: 'Me', 'My Body', and 'Keeping Safe'. By reinforcing knowledge of personal information (name, age, address/parent's phone number), learners are empowered with crucial information for emergencies.

Lesson notes

All About Me: Who Am I? This section is about your special information that makes you, YOU!

My Name and Age: Everyone has a name. It is important to know your full name, which includes your first name and your surname (family name). For example, a name is not just 'Lethu', but 'Lethu Molefe'. Your name is special. Your age is how many years you have been alive. We celebrate it every year with a birthday!

Why it's important: If you ever get lost, telling a trusted adult like a police officer or a teacher your full name helps them find your family. Where I Live (My Address / Contact Number): Your address is the name of your street and the number of your house or flat. Some of us live in places with long addresses, and some live in places known by a landmark. What is most important is to know how to help someone find your home.

Example: An address might be "15 Govan Mbeki Road, Gqeberha". If this is hard to remember, it is very important to memorise one parent's or guardian's cellphone number.

Let's practice saying a number: "zero-eight-two, one-two-three, four-five-six-seven".

Why it's important: In an emergency, if you need help, knowing this information allows adults to contact your family quickly.

My Amazing Body: What Can It Do? Our bodies are wonderful! They help us to learn, play, and grow.

Naming Body Parts: Let's name the parts we use every day.

Head: This is at the top of your body. It holds your brain, which helps you think and learn. On your head are your eyes to see, your ears to hear, your nose to smell, and your mouth to eat and talk.

Arms and Hands: You have two arms. At the end of your arms are your hands, and on your hands are your fingers. You use them to write, draw, hold your lunchbox, and wave to your friends.

Legs and Feet: You have two legs. They help you to walk to school, run on the playground, and jump when you play amagende (hopscotch). Your feet are at the bottom of your legs.

Keeping Clean and Healthy (Hygiene): Keeping our bodies clean helps to keep us from getting sick. Germs are tiny, invisible things that can make our tummies sore or give us a cough. We can fight them!

How to stay clean: Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, after you play outside, and after using the toilet. Rub the soap all over for as long as it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday'.

Brush Your Teeth: Brush your teeth in the morning when you wake up and at night before you sleep. This keeps them strong for chewing and gives you a beautiful smile.

Bathe or Wash: Washing your whole body with soap and water washes away sweat and dirt.

Keeping Safe: My Rules for Safety Being safe means protecting yourself from getting hurt. Safe vs.

Unsafe Situations: A safe situation is one where you feel comfortable and are not in danger.

Example: Reading a book in the classroom with your teacher. An unsafe situation is one that could hurt you or make you feel scared.

Example: Playing near a busy road or touching a hot stove.

My Body is My Own: This is the most important rule. Your body belongs ONLY to you. No one is allowed to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or scared. The parts of your body covered by your underwear are your private parts. Good Touch vs.

Bad Touch: A good touch is a hug from your Gogo or a high-five from a friend. A bad touch is a touch that hurts you or makes you feel confused, especially on your private parts.

The Safety Rule: If someone tries to touch you in a way you don't like, you must remember these three things: Say 'NO!' in a loud voice. Run Away to a place where you feel safe. Tell a Grown-up You Trust. This can be your mom, dad, teacher, or a police officer. Keep telling until someone helps you. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: The 'All About Me' Circle (Teacher draws a large circle on the board and sits the learners in a circle)

Teacher says: "I will start. My name is Mrs. Dlamini. I am going to pass this ball to Sipho. Sipho, please tell us your full name and how old you are." Worked Solution and

Commentary: Method: The teacher uses a kinesthetic (passing a ball) and auditory method to engage learners. Each learner gets a turn to speak in a low-pressure, supportive environment.

Solution: The learner, Sipho, should respond, "My name is Sipho Zulu and I am 6 years old." The teacher then gently corrects if needed (e.g., "Thank you, Sipho. Remember to say your surname too, Sipho Zulu."). The ball is passed around the circle, allowing each child to practice. The goal is participation and building confidence.

Question 2: Point and Name Game Teacher says: "Let's play a game. I will say a body part, and I want everyone to point to it on their own body. Ready? Point to your HEAD! ... Point to your KNEES! ... Point to your EARS!" Worked Solution and

Commentary: Method: This is a simple, active game using the 'Total Physical Response' method, where learners respond to instructions with physical action.