Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify holiday safety hazards.
• Know how to respond to a stranger.
• Describe safe ways to play outdoors.
• Understand firework safety.
• Know how to report an emergency.

Lesson summary

This week's Life Skills lesson focuses on Keeping Safe During the Festive Season and Holidays. As Grade 4 learners, you are becoming more independent, and the holiday season often means more time playing outside, visiting relatives, and perhaps even travelling. It's crucial to understand how to stay safe and make responsible choices during this exciting time of year. This lesson aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate potential dangers and enjoy the holidays responsibly. In South Africa, the festive season is a particularly busy time, and awareness of safety issues like increased traffic, strangers, and potentially unsafe situations is vitally important.

Lesson notes

A. Potential Safety Hazards During the Festive Season: The holidays are a time for fun, but it's important to be aware of increased risks. These risks can be related to being in new places and crowds.

Increased Traffic: More people are travelling, which means more cars on the roads. This increases the risk of accidents, especially when crossing roads or cycling. Always look both ways before crossing, and wear bright clothing if you are walking or cycling near roads. Cars might be driving faster to reach their destinations or have more people in the vehicle distracting the driver. Never play in the road.

Strangers: You might encounter people you don't know, especially if you are visiting new places. It's important to be cautious around strangers. A stranger is anyone you don't know or who your parents haven't told you is okay to be around.

Unsafe Playing Areas: During the holidays, you might be tempted to play in new and unfamiliar places. These places might have hidden dangers like broken glass, sharp objects, or unsafe water sources. Always ask an adult if a place is safe before you start playing there.

Fireworks (If Applicable): In some areas, fireworks are used during celebrations. Fireworks can be very dangerous and cause serious burns or injuries if not handled properly by trained adults. NEVER touch or pick up fireworks. In many areas, it is illegal for children to handle fireworks.

Swimming Pool Dangers: Many families have swimming pools and it is important to always swim with adult supervision, even if you can swim well. Never run around a swimming pool and make sure you know how deep it is before jumping in.

B. Responding Safely to Strangers: It’s crucial to know how to react if approached by a stranger.

Here are some guidelines: "No, Go, Yell, Tell": This simple phrase can help you remember what to do. No: Say "No" firmly if a stranger approaches you or offers you something. Go: Immediately move away from the stranger.

Yell: Shout loudly to attract attention and let people know you need help. Yell something like "Help! I don't know this person!" Tell: Tell a trusted adult (parent, teacher, police officer) about the encounter as soon as possible.

Never go anywhere with a stranger: Even if they offer you sweets, money, or a ride home, say no and walk away.

Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don't worry about being polite; your safety is more important.

C. Safe Outdoor Play Practices: Buddy System: Always play with a friend or sibling. There's safety in numbers, and you can help each other if something goes wrong.

Tell an Adult Where You Are Going: Before you leave the house to play, tell a parent or guardian where you are going and when you will be back. Stick to your plan and let them know if anything changes.

Play in Safe Areas: Avoid playing near roads, construction sites, or other dangerous areas. Stick to parks, playgrounds, or your own garden.

Sun Safety: The South African sun can be very strong. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to what is happening around you. If you see something suspicious, move away and tell an adult.

D. Responsible Behaviour Around Fireworks (If Applicable): Never touch or pick up fireworks: Even if they look like they have gone out, they could still be hot or could explode.

Watch fireworks from a safe distance: Follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging.

Only adults should handle fireworks: Fireworks should only be used by trained adults in a safe and responsible manner.

E. Reporting an Emergency: It's vital to know how to report an emergency. These are important numbers to know and keep safe: Police: 10111 Ambulance: 10177 Fire Department: 10177 When you call, speak clearly and calmly.

Tell them: Your name Your location (the address of where you are) What the emergency is Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sipho is walking home from a friend's house when a stranger in a car stops and offers him a lift. What should Sipho do?

Solution: Sipho should say "No" firmly, walk away quickly, yell "Help! I don't know you!" and tell a trusted adult (like his parents or a teacher) about the incident as soon as he gets home. He should never get into the car with the stranger. The "No, Go, Yell, Tell" strategy is crucial here.

Question 2: Thandi and her friends are playing in a park near a busy road. What safety rules should they follow?

Solution: Thandi and her friends should stay away from the road and play in a designated area away from the road. They should also make sure that a trusted adult knows where they are and when they will be home. They should look carefully before crossing any paths or smaller access roads in the park. The 'buddy system' would be helpful too.

Question 3: Jabu finds a box of fireworks in his grandfather's shed. His grandfather is not home. What should Jabu do?