Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify different unsafe situations.
• Describe how to respond to unsafe situations.
• Explain why you must tell a trusted adult.
• Know the difference between a safe and an unsafe secret.
• Learn to say 'no' assertively.

Lesson summary

This term in Life Skills, we are focusing on Safety and Security. This week specifically, we will be diving into Personal Safety: Identifying and Responding to Unsafe Situations. Learning about personal safety is incredibly important for Grade 4 learners in South Africa. We live in a society where, unfortunately, children can sometimes be vulnerable. Knowing how to recognize danger and what steps to take to protect yourselves can make a huge difference in your lives and the lives of your friends. This knowledge empowers you to be more aware, confident, and safe in your everyday environments like at school, at home, and in the community.

Lesson notes

What is Personal Safety? Personal safety means taking steps to protect yourself from harm. This includes physical harm, but also emotional or psychological harm. It means being aware of your surroundings, trusting your instincts, and knowing how to get help when you need it.

Unsafe Situations: Examples and Explanations Unsafe situations are any situations where you feel uncomfortable, threatened, or at risk of harm. Here are some examples that are relevant to South African learners: Being approached by a stranger: A stranger is someone you don't know. If a stranger approaches you and offers you sweets, asks you to get into their car, or tries to touch you without your permission, this is an unsafe situation. Remember, adults don't usually ask children for help - they ask other adults.

Why it's unsafe: Strangers might have bad intentions and could try to hurt you or take you away.

Real-life example: Imagine you are walking home from school and a car pulls up next to you. The driver, who you don't know, asks you to come closer because they need help finding an address. This is an unsafe situation.

Being left alone in a dangerous place: This could be a place that is poorly lit, has lots of strangers, or is known for crime. It also includes being left alone in a situation where you feel scared or uncomfortable.

Why it's unsafe: You are vulnerable and could be easily targeted by criminals or get lost.

Real-life example: Your older brother is supposed to pick you up from soccer practice, but he doesn't arrive. You are the last one left at the field, and it's starting to get dark. This is an unsafe situation.

Being offered drugs or alcohol: Drugs and alcohol can be harmful to your body and can make you do things you wouldn't normally do. It is illegal for children to have alcohol or drugs.

Why it's unsafe: They can damage your health and make you vulnerable to other dangers.

Real-life example: Older children at school offer you a cigarette behind the toilets. This is an unsafe situation.

Being bullied: Bullying can be physical, verbal, or emotional. It involves repeated hurtful behavior towards you.

Why it's unsafe: Bullying can make you feel scared, sad, and anxious. It can also lead to physical harm.

Real-life example: A group of children at school constantly call you names and take your lunch money. This is an unsafe situation.

Online dangers: This includes talking to strangers online, sharing personal information online, or seeing inappropriate content online.

Why it's unsafe: People online might not be who they say they are, and they could try to harm you.

Real-life example: Someone you don't know adds you as a friend on a social media site and starts asking you personal questions, like your address and school. This is an unsafe situation. Responding to Unsafe Situations The best response to an unsafe situation is to remove yourself from the situation if possible and tell a trusted adult.

Run: If you are in immediate danger, run to a safe place, like a police station, a school, or a house where you know someone.

Yell: Yelling can attract attention and scare away the person who is making you feel unsafe. Yell something like "Help!" or "Go away!".

Tell: Tell a trusted adult, like your parents, teachers, grandparents, or another relative, about what happened. They can help you deal with the situation and protect you. Say "NO" assertively: If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, say "NO" clearly and firmly. Make eye contact and stand tall.

Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Listen to your gut feeling and remove yourself from the situation. Safe Secrets vs. Unsafe Secrets It's important to understand the difference between safe and unsafe secrets.

Safe secrets: Are fun and don't hurt anyone. Like a surprise party you are planning for a friend.

Unsafe secrets: Make you feel uncomfortable, scared, or sad. These secrets usually involve someone asking you not to tell anyone else about something that is happening to you. If an adult tells you to keep a secret that makes you uncomfortable, it's an unsafe secret, and you MUST tell a trusted adult. Assertive Communication Assertive communication means expressing your needs and feelings clearly and respectfully. It's about standing up for yourself without being aggressive. When someone is making you feel uncomfortable, use assertive communication to say "NO".

Example: If someone offers you drugs, say "No, thank you. I am not interested."

Example: If someone tries to touch you without your permission, say "Stop! I don't like that." Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: You are playing in the park when a stranger approaches you and offers you a sweet. What should you do?

Solution: The correct answer is to politely decline the sweet and move away from the stranger. It's important to remember that strangers might not have good intentions.