Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 5

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define 'personal safety' and its importance.
• Identify potentially dangerous situations.
• Practice saying 'no' assertively.
• List trusted adults you can turn to for help.
• Understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.

Lesson summary

This term, we will be focusing on Personal Safety, specifically dealing with potentially dangerous situations and building skills for responsible decision-making. Personal safety is incredibly important for all of us, but especially for Grade 5 learners. In South Africa, knowing how to protect yourself and make safe choices can help you avoid dangerous situations and live a happier, healthier life. This includes knowing how to react in situations where you might feel threatened, pressured, or uncomfortable. It's about understanding your rights, your body, and how to seek help when you need it.

Lesson notes

What is Personal Safety? Personal safety is about taking care of yourself and making choices that keep you safe from harm. It means being aware of your surroundings, understanding potential dangers, and knowing how to respond in difficult situations. It's also about understanding your rights and knowing when to ask for help.

Potential Dangers: Grade 5 learners might encounter several potentially dangerous situations: Stranger Danger: A stranger is someone you don't know. Strangers might try to talk to you, offer you gifts, or ask you to go with them.

Remember: It's never okay to go anywhere with a stranger, no matter how nice they seem. Never accept gifts or food from strangers.* Tell a trusted adult immediately. South African kids should be wary of people offering lifts or seemingly friendly conversations, especially if they are alone.

Bullying: Bullying can happen at school, online (cyberbullying), or even in your neighbourhood. It involves repeated aggressive behaviour intended to harm or intimidate another person. Bullying can be physical (hitting, kicking), verbal (name-calling, teasing), or social (excluding someone from a group). If you are being bullied, it is important to tell a trusted adult, like a teacher, parent, or grandparent.* Remember, you are not alone, and it’s not your fault.

Inappropriate Touching: This refers to any touching that makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. It's important to understand that you have the right to say "no" to any touch that you don't want. No one has the right to touch you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, even if they are a relative or family friend.* Online Dangers: The internet can be a fun place to learn and connect with others, but it can also be dangerous. Never share personal information like your name, address, or phone number with strangers online. Be careful about the pictures and videos you post online, as they can be seen by anyone.* Talk to a trusted adult about your online activities.

Peer Pressure: Sometimes friends might encourage you to do things that you know are wrong or dangerous. This is called peer pressure. It's important to be able to say "no" to peer pressure, even if it's difficult. Remember, true friends will respect your decisions.* Assertive Communication: Saying "No" Being assertive means standing up for yourself in a calm and respectful way. It means expressing your needs and opinions clearly without being aggressive. Here's how to say "no" assertively: Make eye contact: Look the person in the eye.

Use a firm voice: Speak clearly and confidently. Say "no" clearly: Don't hesitate or apologize for saying no.

Repeat if necessary: If the person keeps pressuring you, repeat your "no." Walk away: If the person doesn't respect your "no," walk away and find a trusted adult.

Example: A stranger offers you a sweet in the street and says "Come with me, I have more in my car".

Instead of: Awkwardly taking the sweet and hesitating Say: "No thank you. I am not allowed to talk to strangers" (while making eye contact and walking away confidently).

Trusted Adults: It's important to have a support system of trusted adults you can turn to for help. These adults can be your parents, grandparents, teachers, relatives, religious leaders, or any other adult you trust and feel comfortable talking to. They can offer advice, support, and protection. South African children often have strong bonds with extended family members, making them ideal sources of support. Appropriate vs.

Inappropriate Touching: Appropriate touching is respectful and makes you feel comfortable. Examples include a friendly hug from a family member, a pat on the back from a teacher, or holding hands with a friend. Inappropriate touching is unwelcome and makes you feel uncomfortable, scared, or confused. Examples include touching private parts, demanding hugs, or touching that is forceful or sexual in nature.

Remember: Your private parts are covered by your underwear. No one has the right to touch those parts without your permission.* If someone touches you inappropriately, tell a trusted adult immediately. Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sipho is walking home from school when a car pulls up beside him. A man he doesn't know says, "Hey, Sipho! Your mother asked me to pick you up today. Hop in, I'll take you home." What should Sipho do?

Solution: Sipho should NOT get in the car.

He should: Not acknowledge the man: Do not say hi back or give him any more information.

Walk away: He should move away from the car and keep walking in the direction he was originally heading or towards the nearest public area (e.g., shop).

Tell a trusted adult: As soon as possible, he should tell his parents, a teacher, or another trusted adult about what happened.

Why: This reinforces the stranger danger concept. Even if the man seems nice, Sipho doesn't know him, and his mother didn't tell him about this arrangement. It's better to be safe than sorry.