Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify safety risks at home, school, and in public.
• Know the rules for road safety.
• Understand basic online safety.
• Know who our trusted adults are and why it's important to talk to them.

Lesson summary

Keeping safe is an essential part of life. It means understanding how to protect ourselves from harm in different situations, whether it's at home, at school, on the road, or online. In South Africa, where we face unique challenges, knowing how to stay safe can make a real difference in our lives. Learning about safety empowers us to make good choices, avoid dangers, and look after ourselves and others. This week, we'll explore various safety rules and practices that are relevant to our daily lives in South Africa.

Lesson notes

A. Safety at Home: Our homes should be safe havens, but accidents can happen.

Common hazards include: Fire: Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Never play with fire. Know the escape route in case of a fire. In South Africa, many homes use paraffin stoves, so be extra careful with these, ensuring they are placed on a stable surface away from flammable materials.

Electricity: Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands. Don't overload electrical sockets. Be aware of exposed wires. In many areas, illegal electrical connections are common and extremely dangerous; never touch them or go near them.

Poisons: Keep cleaning products, medicines, and pesticides locked away. Never drink or eat anything if you don't know what it is. Many homes use pesticides for cockroaches and ants, so be aware of where these are placed.

Sharp Objects: Knives, scissors, and other sharp objects should be used carefully and stored properly.

Example: Imagine Sipho's little sister finds a bottle of cleaning fluid under the sink and starts to drink it. What should Sipho do? Sipho should immediately tell a trusted adult (parent, older sibling, or neighbour) and ensure his sister doesn't swallow any more. Why? Because cleaning fluid is poisonous and can make her very sick.

B. Safety at School: School is a place for learning, but safety is also important.

Playground Safety: Use equipment properly. Don't push or shove others. Watch out for other people. If equipment is broken, report it to a teacher.

Classroom Safety: Keep walkways clear. Don't run in the classroom. Be careful with sharp objects like scissors.

Bullying: Bullying is never okay. If you are being bullied or see someone else being bullied, tell a teacher or another trusted adult. Bullying can be physical or verbal and makes the school environment unsafe for those experiencing it.

Strangers: Never talk to strangers or go with them, even if they seem friendly. In South Africa, safety around strangers is crucial.

Example: Thandi sees a new boy being picked on during break time. What should Thandi do? Thandi should tell a teacher or a prefect about the bullying. Why? Because bullying is wrong and needs to be stopped. Telling an adult is the best way to help the new boy.

C. Road Safety: Roads can be dangerous places.

Crossing the Road: Always look left, right, and left again before crossing. Use pedestrian crossings where available. Walk on the pavement, not in the road.

Traffic: Be aware of traffic. Don't play near roads. In areas with minibus taxis, be especially careful as they may stop suddenly.

Public Transport: Wait for the bus or taxi at a designated stop. Be careful when getting on and off. Keep your belongings safe. In South Africa, especially in urban areas, be aware of pickpockets.

Cycling: Wear a helmet. Obey traffic rules. Make sure your bicycle has reflectors.

Example: Mandla is walking home from school and needs to cross a busy road. There is a pedestrian crossing nearby. What should Mandla do? Mandla should walk to the pedestrian crossing, look left, right, and left again, and only cross when it's safe. Why? Using the pedestrian crossing and looking carefully helps him avoid being hit by a car.

D. Online Safety: The internet can be a fun place to learn and connect with others, but it also has risks.

Personal Information: Never share your name, address, phone number, or school name online without your parents' permission.

Strangers: Never talk to strangers online. Don't agree to meet them in person.

Inappropriate Content: If you see something online that makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult.

Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online. If you are being cyberbullied, tell a trusted adult.

Example: Zanele receives a message from someone online she doesn't know, asking for her address. What should Zanele do? Zanele should not respond to the message and tell a trusted adult (parent or teacher) about it. Why? Sharing her address with a stranger could put her in danger.

E. Trusted Adults: A trusted adult is someone you can talk to about anything, especially if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. This could be a parent, grandparent, teacher, older sibling, or family friend. Knowing who to turn to is essential for your safety and well-being. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Name two things you should never do when near a fire.

Solution:

1. Never play with fire.

2. Never leave a fire unattended.

Explanation: Playing with fire can easily lead to burns or larger fires. Leaving a fire unattended means it could spread without anyone noticing.

Question 2: You are at the park, and a stranger offers you sweets and asks you to go with them to see some puppies. What should you do?

Solution: I should say "no" politely but firmly, move away from the stranger, and immediately tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, or park ranger) about the encounter.