Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• This week, we will be focusing on healthy lifestyles and choices as part of our Personal and Social Well-being unit. Learning about healthy lifestyles is very important for Grade 3 learners in South Africa because it helps you grow strong, stay healthy, and feel good about yourselves! Making good choices about what you eat, how you play, and how you treat others will help you succeed in school, have more energy to play with your friends, and avoid getting sick. In a country like South Africa, where we face challenges like poverty and access to nutritious foods, knowing how to make healthy choices with the resources we have is even more important. This week’s lessons will teach you simple steps you can take every day to improve your health and well-being.
• Learning Objectives:
• By the end of this week, learners will be able to:
• Identify at least three examples of healthy food choices and three examples of unhealthy food choices common in South Africa.
• Explain the importance of regular physical activity and list three fun ways to be active.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be focusing on healthy lifestyles and choices as part of our Personal and Social Well-being unit. Learning about healthy lifestyles is very important for Grade 3 learners in South Africa because it helps you grow strong, stay healthy, and feel good about yourselves! Making good choices about what you eat, how you play, and how you treat others will help you succeed in school, have more energy to play with your friends, and avoid getting sick. In a country like South Africa, where we face challenges like poverty and access to nutritious foods, knowing how to make healthy choices with the resources we have is even more important.

Lesson notes

Healthy Food Choices: Healthy eating means choosing foods that give your body the energy and nutrients it needs to grow and be strong. In South Africa, we have many delicious foods, but some are healthier than others.

Healthy Foods: Fruits (like bananas, oranges, mangoes), vegetables (like carrots, spinach, tomatoes), whole grains (like brown bread, maize porridge), lean proteins (like chicken, fish, beans), and dairy (like milk, yogurt) are all great choices. These foods give you vitamins, minerals, and energy to run, play, and learn. Maize porridge (pap) is a great example when not overloaded with sugar, as is amasi (fermented milk).

Unhealthy Foods: Foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat (like sweets, chips, fizzy drinks, some processed snacks) can make you feel tired and can lead to health problems later in life. They don't provide many nutrients.

Consider a kota: although tasty, it is usually loaded with processed meats and fats, making it an unhealthy, frequent choice. Why is it important? Eating healthy foods helps you concentrate in class, gives you energy to play sports, and protects you from getting sick easily.

Physical Activity: Physical activity is any kind of movement that makes your body work. It's not just about playing sports; it's about being active in any way you can.

Examples: Running, jumping, playing tag, dancing, swimming, playing soccer, walking to school. Even helping with chores like sweeping the yard or washing dishes counts! Why is it important? Being active helps you build strong muscles and bones, keeps your heart healthy, and helps you feel happy and energetic. Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Think about games like diketo or kgati, traditional South African games that are fun and active.

Sleep: Getting enough sleep is just as important as eating healthy and being active. When you sleep, your body rests and repairs itself. How much sleep? Grade 3 learners need about 9-11 hours of sleep each night. What happens when you don't get enough sleep? You might feel tired, grumpy, and find it hard to concentrate in school. You might also get sick more easily.

Tips for good sleep: Go to bed at the same time every night, make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet, and avoid watching TV or using electronic devices before bed.

Hygiene: Good hygiene practices help prevent germs from spreading and making you sick.

Handwashing: Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, after using the toilet, and after playing outside. This is especially important to prevent diseases like diarrhea.

Bathing: Bathe or shower regularly to keep your body clean.

Brushing teeth: Brush your teeth at least twice a day to prevent cavities and gum disease. Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze: Use your elbow to prevent spreading germs.

Safety: Staying safe at home and at school is very important.

At home: Avoid playing with sharp objects (knives, scissors), keep cleaning products away from children, and never touch electrical outlets. Know your emergency contact numbers.

At school: Follow the school rules, be careful on the playground, and report any dangerous situations to a teacher. Be aware of potential dangers around the school area such as traffic or broken playground equipment. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name one healthy food choice you could make for breakfast instead of eating a sugary cereal.

Solution: A healthy breakfast choice would be maize porridge (pap) with a little bit of milk and fruit. This gives you energy and nutrients to start your day, unlike sugary cereals which are high in sugar and offer little nutritional value.

Question 2: Give one example of a fun physical activity you can do with your friends after school.

Solution: You could play soccer with your friends in the park or at school. Soccer is a great way to get exercise, have fun, and work together as a team.

Question 3: Why is it important to wash your hands before eating?

Solution: It's important to wash your hands before eating because our hands touch many things throughout the day, and they can pick up germs. Washing your hands with soap and water removes these germs and prevents them from getting into your body when you eat, which can make you sick.

Question 4: Give one example of how you can stay safe at home.

Solution: I can stay safe at home by keeping away from the stove when someone is cooking. The stove can get very hot and burn me if I get too close. Independent Practice (Questions Only) List three healthy snacks you could eat instead of sweets or chips. Describe two different ways you can be physically active besides playing organized sports. Explain why it's important to go to bed at a reasonable time each night. Why should you brush your teeth twice a day? Name three situations when you should wash your hands. What should you do if you see a broken bottle in the school playground? You feel tired and grumpy at school. What might be the reason?