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

• By the end of this week's lessons, learners should be able to:
• Recall and demonstrate at least three key road safety rules (e.g., Stop, Look, Listen; understand traffic light colours).
• Identify and name at least four basic feelings (happy, sad, angry, scared) and suggest a simple, positive action for one of them.
• Describe and mime two essential healthy habits for personal hygiene (e.g., washing hands properly, brushing teeth).
• State confidently the rule "My body belongs to me" and name at least two trusted adults they can talk to if they feel unsafe.

Lesson summary

This week serves as a crucial consolidation point for Grade 1 learners, reinforcing the foundational Life Skills concepts covered throughout the term. The focus is on revision through engaging, practical activities that link learning to everyday life. For a young South African learner, these skills are not abstract; they are vital for navigating their daily world. This includes safely walking to school past busy roads, understanding the importance of hygiene to prevent illness, recognizing and managing emotions in a busy classroom, and knowing how to protect their own bodies.

Lesson notes

This section revisits the core knowledge areas. The explanations are designed to be interactive and easy for Grade 1 learners to grasp.

Concept 1: Staying Safe on Our Roads In South Africa, many of us walk to school, to the spaza shop, or to visit family. The roads can be very busy with cars, taxis, and buses, so we must know how to be safe.

The Traffic Light (Robot): The robot helps everyone share the road safely. Red means STOP! When the robot for cars is red, the cars must stop. This is often when the little green man sign lights up for us to walk. Green means GO! When the robot for cars is green, they can drive. We must wait on the pavement. Orange means GET READY! The light is about to change. We should not start crossing the road.

The Golden Rule: Stop, Look, and Listen! Before you cross ANY road, even a quiet one, you must always: STOP at the edge of the pavement. LOOK to your right, then to your left, and then to your right again. Keep looking as you cross. LISTEN for any cars you might not see.

Safe Walking Habits: Always walk on the pavement, not in the road. Hold a grown-up's hand whenever you can. Never run into the road to chase a ball or a friend.

Concept 2: Healthy Habits for a Strong Body Our bodies are amazing! They help us run, play, learn, and grow. We need to look after them with healthy habits.

Washing Hands: Germs are tiny, invisible bugs that can make us sick. They are on our hands after we play outside, use the toilet, or cough and sneeze.

How to wash: Use soap and warm water. Rub your hands together while you sing the 'Happy Birthday' song twice. Make sure you wash the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Eating a Rainbow: Healthy food gives us energy. A good way to remember is to try and eat a 'rainbow' of different coloured fruits and vegetables every day. Example of a healthy South African lunchbox: A brown bread sandwich with cheese or chicken, an apple or a banana, a small yoghurt, and a bottle of water. This is much better for our bodies than lots of sweets, chips, and sugary drinks which are 'sometimes-foods'.

Concept 3: My Body is My Own This is the most important rule of all. Your body belongs only to you. No one is allowed to touch your body in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. Good Touch vs.

Uncomfortable Touch: Good Touch: A hug from Mommy or Gogo, a high-five from a friend, a pat on the back from a teacher. These touches feel nice and caring.

Uncomfortable Touch: A touch that you don't want, that hurts, or that is on the private parts of your body (the parts covered by your underwear). This can also be a secret touch that someone asks you not to tell.

The Safety Rule: No, Go, Tell! NO! Say "NO!" in a loud voice. GO! Run away from the person quickly. TELL! Immediately tell a trusted adult. A trusted adult is a grown-up you know you can rely on to help you, like your parents, your teacher, your grandparents, or a police officer.

Concept 4: All Our Feelings are Okay We all have lots of different feelings every day, and that's normal! It's important to know what we are feeling and to know that it's okay to feel that way. Happy (😃): You might feel happy when you are playing with your friends or when you get a special treat. Sad (😢): You might feel sad if you fall and hurt your knee or if a friend moves away. Angry (😠): You might feel angry if someone takes your toy without asking. Scared (😨): You might feel scared if you hear a loud thunder storm or if you are in the dark. It's not okay to hurt others when we are angry. If you feel angry or very sad, it's good to talk to a trusted adult, take deep breaths, or find a quiet place for a few minutes. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Road Safety Scenario Look at this picture. (Teacher shows a picture of a child waiting to cross a road where the traffic light for cars is red). The robot is red for the cars. What are the three things Ayanda must do before she crosses the road? Solution and

Commentary: Even though the cars have stopped, Ayanda must still use the golden rule for safety. She must STOP at the pavement's edge. She must LOOK right, left, and right again to make sure no cars are turning. She must LISTEN for any traffic she cannot see. This reinforces that safety rules must be followed every time, not just sometimes.

Question 2: Feelings Face Thabo's friend said something unkind and hurt his feelings. He feels a big, sad feeling inside. Draw a face to show how Thabo is feeling. What is one good thing Thabo could do? Solution and

Commentary: The learner should draw a sad face (frown, maybe tears). A good thing Thabo could do is tell the teacher or tell his mom when he gets home. He could also say to his friend, "What you said made me feel sad." This teaches learners that it is right to identify their feelings and to seek help or express themselves constructively.

Question 3: Healthy Plate The teacher gives each learner a paper plate.