Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 2

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 (hazards) at home.
• Know safe practices at home.
• Understand why school rules are important for safety.
• Know how to act in a dangerous situation.
• Learn important emergency numbers.

Lesson summary

This lesson is a revision and consolidation of the Life Skills topics covered in Week 5 of Grade

2. In Life Skills, we learn about how to be healthy, safe, and respectful of ourselves and others, and how to make good choices. Week 5 specifically focuses on Safety at Home and School. Understanding safety is extremely important for all South African children. Learning about potential dangers and how to avoid them helps us to stay safe and healthy, allowing us to play, learn, and grow with confidence. It also equips us to help protect ourselves and others.

Lesson notes

What are Hazards? A hazard is anything that can cause harm or injury. Hazards can be found anywhere, including at home and at school. It’s important to know what hazards are so we can avoid them.

Hazards at Home: Our homes should be safe places, but sometimes there are things that can hurt us if we’re not careful.

Electrical Outlets: Sticking fingers or objects into electrical outlets can cause a dangerous electric shock. Why? Electricity is a powerful force and can severely injure or even kill someone.

How to be safe: Never touch electrical outlets with wet hands or put anything except plugs into them. Ask a grown-up to help if something is wrong with an electrical outlet.

Medicines: Medicines are helpful when we are sick, but they can be very dangerous if taken without a grown-up’s permission. Why? Medicines contain chemicals that can make us very sick if we take the wrong amount or the wrong kind.

How to be safe: Always ask a grown-up before taking any medicine. Keep medicines in a safe place where children cannot reach them.

Cleaning Products: Products like bleach, dish soap, and window cleaner can be harmful if swallowed or if they get in our eyes. Why? These products contain strong chemicals that can burn our skin or cause serious illness.

How to be safe: Never touch or taste cleaning products. Ask a grown-up to use them when cleaning.

Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors, and broken glass can cut us and cause injuries. Why? Sharp objects can easily pierce our skin and cause bleeding and infection.

How to be safe: Always use knives and scissors carefully and with a grown-up’s supervision. Tell a grown-up if you see broken glass so they can clean it up safely.

Hot Items: Stoves, ovens, and irons can burn us if we touch them when they are hot. Why? Hot items can quickly burn our skin, causing pain and blisters.

How to be safe: Never touch hot items without a grown-up’s permission. Be careful around the stove and oven when they are in use.

Example: Lerato wanted to help her mom bake cookies. She reached for the hot cookie sheet coming out of the oven. Her mom quickly stopped her and reminded her that the cookie sheet was very hot and could burn her. Lerato learned that it’s important to ask for help when dealing with hot items.

Hazards at School: School is a place to learn and have fun, but it’s also important to be aware of potential dangers.

Running in the Hallways: Running in the hallways can lead to accidents if we bump into someone or trip and fall. Why? Hallways are often crowded, and running makes it hard to see where we are going.

How to be safe: Walk carefully in the hallways and pay attention to your surroundings.

Playing on Equipment Improperly: Climbing on playground equipment in unsafe ways can lead to falls and injuries. Why? Playground equipment is designed to be used in specific ways, and deviating from those ways can be dangerous.

How to be safe: Follow the rules for using playground equipment and always play under the supervision of a teacher or adult.

Strangers: Talking to strangers or accepting gifts from them can be dangerous. Why? Strangers may not have good intentions and could try to harm us.

How to be safe: Never talk to strangers or accept anything from them. Tell a teacher or grown-up immediately if a stranger approaches you.

Fire Hazards: Paper and other flammable materials near heaters or electrical outlets can cause fires. Why? Fire can spread quickly and cause serious damage and injury.

How to be safe: Keep paper and other flammable materials away from heaters and electrical outlets. Know the fire drill procedures and follow them calmly.

Example: Sipho saw a stranger standing near the school gate. The stranger offered Sipho a sweet. Sipho remembered what he learned in Life Skills and politely refused the sweet and walked away to find his teacher. Sipho’s quick thinking helped him stay safe. Why are Rules Important? Rules are in place to protect us and keep us safe. Following rules at home and at school helps to prevent accidents and create a safe environment for everyone.

Emergency Contact Numbers: It’s important to know who to call in case of an emergency. In South Africa, some important emergency numbers are: 10111: South African Police Service (SAPS) – To report a crime or if you are in danger. 10177: Ambulance – If someone is seriously injured and needs medical help. 112: Emergency Services (can be used from any mobile phone) – A general emergency number that can connect you to the police, ambulance, or fire department.

Example: Thandi's mom fell and hurt herself. Thandi remembered that she should call for help. She called 10177 (Ambulance) and told them what happened. The ambulance arrived quickly and helped her mom. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name two things in your kitchen that could be dangerous if you are not careful.

Solution: Two dangerous things in the kitchen are: (1) A stove that is turned on and hot, because it can burn you.