Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify at least five road safety rules.
• Explain the importance of traffic signals and signs.
• Describe three strategies for staying safe with strangers.
• Recognise unsafe situations and how to respond.
• Understand and use the 'buddy system'.

Lesson summary

This week, we will be focusing on Road Safety and Personal Safety. This is incredibly important for all of you because as Grade 5 learners, you are becoming more independent and may be walking to school, visiting friends, or using public transport. Understanding road safety rules and how to stay safe in different situations will help you protect yourselves and others from harm. In South Africa, with our busy roads and communities, knowing how to be safe is a crucial life skill. It empowers you to make responsible choices and avoid potential dangers.

Lesson notes

A. Road Safety for Pedestrians and Cyclists Road safety is about following rules and being aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents. As pedestrians (people walking) and cyclists (people riding bicycles), you are especially vulnerable.

Always Use Pavements/Sidewalks: Where there are pavements, always walk on them. Walking on the road is extremely dangerous. In areas without pavements, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic (so you can see the cars coming). Look Left, Right, and Left Again: Before crossing any road, always look left, then right, and then left again. Make sure the road is clear before you start walking. Cars can come very quickly.

Use Pedestrian Crossings: Where there are zebra crossings (black and white stripes) or traffic lights with pedestrian signals, always use them. Wait for the green man signal before crossing.

Be Visible: Wear bright clothing, especially at night or in bad weather. Consider wearing reflective clothing or armbands. This helps drivers see you more easily.

Pay Attention: Avoid distractions like cell phones or listening to music with headphones while walking or cycling. You need to be fully aware of your surroundings.

Cycle Safely: If you cycle, always wear a helmet. Make sure your bicycle has working brakes and lights. Use hand signals to indicate when you are turning. Cycle on the left-hand side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.

Example 1 (Road Crossing): Sipho wants to cross a busy street after school. There is a zebra crossing about 50 meters away. He is in a hurry to get home and wants to cross the road directly where he is. What should Sipho do?

Explanation: Sipho should not cross the road directly. He should walk the extra distance to the zebra crossing. Zebra crossings are specifically designed to provide a safe place for pedestrians to cross. Drivers are more likely to be aware of pedestrians at these crossings.

Example 2 (Cycling): Thandi wants to cycle to her friend's house. She has a bicycle, but it does not have working brakes. She thinks she can cycle carefully enough without them. Is this a good idea?

Explanation: No, this is not a good idea. Working brakes are essential for cycling safely. Without brakes, Thandi will not be able to stop quickly if she needs to, which could lead to an accident. She should get her brakes fixed before cycling. B. Traffic Signals and Road Signs Traffic signals (traffic lights) and road signs are like the language of the road. They tell drivers and pedestrians what to do. Ignoring them is very dangerous.

Traffic Lights: Red means stop. Yellow means caution – prepare to stop if it is safe to do so. Green means go (after checking that it is safe).

Stop Signs: Mean you must come to a complete stop before proceeding. Check carefully for traffic before continuing.

Yield Signs: Mean you must give way to traffic on the road you are entering. Be prepared to stop if necessary.

Pedestrian Crossing Signs: Warn drivers that there may be pedestrians crossing the road.

Example 3 (Traffic Light): You are waiting to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing. The traffic light is red for cars and the pedestrian signal is red. What should you do?

Explanation: You should wait patiently until the traffic light turns green for cars and the pedestrian signal turns green. Only then is it safe to cross.

C. Personal Safety: Dealing with Strangers A stranger is someone you don't know. While most people are good, it's important to be cautious when interacting with strangers.

Never Go Anywhere with a Stranger: Even if they offer you sweets, a ride, or promise you something nice.

Never Accept Anything from a Stranger: This includes food, drinks, or gifts.

Trust Your Instincts: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe around someone, remove yourself from the situation immediately.

Tell a Trusted Adult: If a stranger approaches you and makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult as soon as possible. The "Buddy System": Always try to walk with a friend or in a group, especially in areas you are not familiar with. There is safety in numbers.

Learn your address and phone number: Knowing your home address and telephone number enables other people to assist you in finding your way home and/or contacting your parents if you get lost.

Example 4 (Stranger): A stranger approaches you outside the shop and offers you a ride home because he says your parents sent him. What should you do?

Explanation: You should not go with the stranger. Even if he says your parents sent him, you should never go anywhere with a stranger. Instead, you should politely decline and walk away. If you feel unsafe, go into the shop and ask for help. D. Recognizing and Responding to Unsafe Situations Being able to recognize when a situation is potentially unsafe is crucial.

This includes: Walking Alone in the Dark: Avoid walking alone at night. If you must, walk with a friend or in a well-lit area.